The focal teaching of the book of James is the idea that God-given wisdom is needed for our faith as Christ-followers will be tested to ensure that it is the genuine article. When buying a brand name article, do you check to see if it is the genuine article and not just a cheap copy or counterfeit? Why do you buy genuine brand name articles? Isn’t it for the quality of craft? James was with dealing with the quality and preparation of a genuine brand name article in his letter. Namely, those who are His called Christ-followers. They were not to be cheap copies; instead, they are to be known by the quality of artistry in their lives by the Master craftsman.
As Christ-followers, we all go through trials in life. However, how can we effectively endure during these trials? What is the purpose of these trials? James dealt with this question in his letter. James 1:1-8 was the main idea, and the rest of the letter applies this idea. He was pointing out that God had an overall plan for His church. That is, to grow to be more Christlike. One aspect of this growth was being formed and tested by the trials of life, and not just seeking immediate release. God is interested in the genuine article of the ultimate maturity in Christ. To be able to mature, there is a need for godly wisdom to be able to grow until they were complete lacking nothing. It is the context of asking for God’s wisdom and not just as a symbolic need. James said,
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask
of God, who gives to all people generously and without reproach, and it will be
given to them” (Jas 1:5 NASB).
So, becoming the genuine article, we all need God’s wisdom to reach this eventual realisation in Christ. Of course, through this, we are to be joyfully enduring in the midst of our trials until we come to maturity as seen throughout the Bible. In the letter, James pointed to such examples as Job, Elijah, Abraham, and Rahab. As Christ-followers, do we want to live a Christlike life? Well, we can become a mature Christlike, well rounded, and not behind in anything. But, to become like this, we will need the trials of life. James said,
“And
let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing” (Jas 1:4 NASB).
Watch a person under the pump, and you will
most likely see the real inside person. We can all put on a show for those
around us when things are going well. However, we will all some good days and
some hard days. But when the pressure of trials is applied, what comes out of
the inner person? Are you in the midst of a trial right now, and you need the
wisdom of heaven to get through and grow to maturity?
No comments:
Post a Comment