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Several related themes run through James. These are trials, self-control,
practical faith,
and humility.
James begins his letter with a discussion of trials. We all have troubles. Disconcertingly, sometimes our worst problems
arise from doing the right thing. Though
it may seem like God
has abandoned us in such times, God is at work.
Facing trials with patience and
faith builds our character.
Part of a godly character is self-control. A mature Christian will discipline
himself. In particular, he will watch
what he says. It is hard to control what
we say, refraining from idle and harmful words.
It is hard to speak convincingly about the love, grace, and faithfulness
of God when you just spewed a lot of gossip, lies, and nonsense.
James writes of faith in very practical and active terms. Sermons, exultations, and moral sayings are
hollow and useless if they are not coupled with service, aid and upright
living. If we really believe the Gospel and
have call to be followers of Christ, we will
act like Christ who humbled Himself to labor with men, heal the sick, feed the
hungry, and care for the needy.
Emulating the humility or Christ is a theme of the letter in
itself. James extols believers to act
with humility and treat everyone fairly.
Wealth and position are temporary, but in our eternal relation to God
we’re all the same: each Christian is a
sinful person saved by the grace of God.
Pride is
a source of strife, people in conflict as they all try to get their own way,
but humble people trust God and can let go of strife.
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