A book need not be two hundred pages long for it to be a valuable possession. The book of James is one of the General Epistles, written by a man named James. We are not sure of the identity of this man James, but the prevailing view is that he was the man named in Mark 6:3, one of Jesus’ brothers, Galatians 1:19. The book itself is still a remarkably practical book for Christians, even twenty centuries after it was written.
Johnny Ramsey, in his introduction to this book, wrote:
“Could there ever be a more down-to-earth piece of literature than the book of James? The favorite book of the Bible for many practical Christians is the five-chapter epistle written by the half-brother of Jesus. Nearly every theme pertinent to living the life of a child of God is covered in this memorable section of Holy Scripture. One cannot read and study this section of the Bible without pangs of conscience and promises of ‘I’ll live a better life for Christ.’ It is rich and demanding, like the Sermon on the Mount, and yet comforting and devotional, like the Psalms.”
To summarize a book in a brief way is often almost impossible, but this book, in a chapter by chapter look, can be described as a thesis on “what Christians do, and what Christians don’t do.”
Christians Do: Thank God for strength gained in life’s trials. In chapter 1:2 we read: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” God’s people may not enjoy the challenges and trials of life, but they realize their value and gain strength by overcoming those challenges. The result is “patience,” that is, steadfastness, perseverance. Yes, instead of being defeated by Satan’s trials, we become just that much stronger by resisting him, James 4:7.
Christians Do: Ask God for wisdom, thanking God for the privilege. Chapter 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God…and it shall be given him.” While wisdom does not automatically come with the passing of years, the challenges we face as the years pass give us the opportunity to obtain wisdom, to become wise in our dealings with others, our choices of life and our “hope of eternal life.”
Christians Do: Look for ways to give aid to those genuinely in need of assistance. Chapter 2:14 says, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” A picture comes to our mind of someone comfortably sitting in their warm home when a knock on the door is heard. Someone stands there in the rain and cold asking for help. Verse 16 suggests that the response to the person in need is, “..be ye warmed and filled,” but no help is given. It is in this context that we read in verse 17, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead.” A Christian’s faith results in help for the needy.
Christians Do: Learn to control their tongue. Foul language, cutting, ugly remarks are not found in a Christian’s speech, but instead, words of truth, hope and encouragement come forth from their tongue. Chapter 3:6 says, “…the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” Once spoken, words cannot be recalled, and this should be remembered by all.
Christians Do: Make full use of life’s brief moments. Chapter 4:14 says, “What is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Young and old alike are prone to think that an extended life is promised for all, but some die “before their time.” Others are aware that life is a gift, but forget that life is brief, temporary, shortened often by health problems or tragedy. Psalm 90:10-12 says:
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away…So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
I know “threescore years and ten” may seem a long time, but take it from one who has seen them; they speed by “like a freight train.” Ben Franklin is quoted as saying: “Don’t waste time; it is the stuff life is made of.” Maybe he had read Psalms 90. Christians want to make every moment count for Christ and His kingdom.
Christians Do: Make prayer a major part of their life, thereby drawing encouragement and strength. The prayer of Elijah is mentioned in 5:17-18, preceded by “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
So great is the privilege of prayer – to speak to our Father and our Creator – that Christians should take prayer seriously, knowing our loving Father hears and answers our prayers.
What a remarkable book! Take a good look at it today – talk it over with your family and friends. Learn from its wisdom! Heed its lessons! Remember its warnings. You won’t regret one minute.
