I was reading the book of James recently and was imagining him writing the book. I would love to interview Him! He must have been concerned with Christians being influenced by the world because he put out lots of warnings for them. How valuable of a guidebook God inspired Him to write! Maybe someday I can meet Him!… But for now, I will use my imagination and knowledge of the book of James in The Bible.
These are questions and answers I expect he might give me based on what He has written. I am the one asking the questions. They are followed by what might likely be his answer.
What was your primary purpose in writing the book? I wanted to let brothers and sisters in Christ know that they will face trials of suffering or conscience or temptations, so it is vital to adhere to the Word.
Were you concerned that the tone of your book was negative? No, not at all. I am called to tell others the way to stay on the path of righteousness, even when trials come, and they will.
Why did you give so many warnings about sin? I am concerned about the most likely pitfalls for Christians. They were not what some would label “huge” sins, but habits and sins that stem from influences of the world.
How did you get your confidence about what people needed to read/hear? I focus on the truth of God’s Word and nothing but. His Word is perfect and true. I am human and I face temptations and being influenced by the world, just like everyone else. I implore God to tell me what to write.
How did you come to write this book? What inspired you? My brother Jesus and my God inspired me. Our lives are meant to be used of God to spread the gospel, whether in preaching or teaching or helping widows and orphans and the lonely or homeless. Those things show God’s love to people.
I have always loved the book of James because it is jam-packed with guidelines for Christian living. He warns Christians about the deadly tongue. It can praise God, but can also curse. We do not randomly mess up in this area. Right speech comes from a right heart:
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45
James agrees that the mouth can issue both good and evil.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? James 3:9-11 NIV
As we wrap up 2020 in the next few days, do you have any thoughts on things you may be differently in the New Year? How has Covid life affected your family directly? How has it affected your priorities? Will you change anything? What do you want to do more of? What do you want to do less of? If you feel like sharing please do! (says this curious friend…)
I am not a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions, per se, but I think they have value. Any minute, hour, day, week or month is the perfect time to let God refine us. Constant refining is necessary, in order for us to keep growing. There is a saying, “The more you know, the more you grow.” I would submit, “The more you use what you know, the more you grow.” Only with God’s Word and love, Jesus’ forgiveness of suns and the Holy Spirit’s presence and power can we be who God made us to be. Let’s resolve to refining to be made righteous in their eyes.
Dear God,
Our prayer is simple. Please refine us in whatever way You need to so we may accomplish Your purposes. Help us keep things in perspective when Covid stuff seems to cloud our hope. We look forward to health and life with You in Heaven. Whatever we endure down here, give us strength and wisdom to endure and to help others to do so also. We love You so much. Jesus, we hope you enjoyed your birthday yesterday! We love You so much! Amen
Love and prayers to all of you. I am praying that you all have peace in your trials, joy that the enemy cannot steal and bright hope from heaven for the future. What a day that will be! Love you all, mean it!
Just me. Just His.
Glory in the Morning 