The Book of James – Part 2
In the first half of James 1, we saw how James exhorted his readers to recognize and respond to the trials and temptations that seek to subvert our commitment to living obediently according to the teachings and example of Jesus. That the example he cites was how we treat the poor and privileged among us, it says a great deal about what he was presupposing about the nature of Christian community. For us at Little Flowers Community, this will be a very real challenge for us.
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
At first, this can seem like fairly obvious advice. Yet, when we consider how hard this is to practice in every day life, it becomes clear why we need the wisdom and strength of God to get there. An old rabbinical saying reminds us that We have two ears to listen, but only one tongue to speak- and it’s walled up behind our teeth”. The disciplines of self-restraint and silence are essential for all believers as we seek to listen- listen to the truth of God through His Word, His Spirit and His people.
When James reminds us that “anger does not bring about the righteous life”, it could also be translated as the “just life”. Given the previous reference to injustice in the community, this makes a great deal of sense. When we are confronted by injustice in the world and/or in our community, it is expected to stir a great deal of emotion. Yet we are called represent the justice of God- a justice that restores and redeems, but does not seek to judge or avenge.
Two things stand in the way of our ability to hear God’s truth- moral filth and evil. These words can, at times, lose their meaning in the obscurity and familiarity of religious jargon. However, when we remember that sin is any deviation from the will of God (both in choosing to do wrong AND in failing to do what is right), it becomes clear that James is remind us of how easy it is to stray from the path and lose touch with the guiding truth of God. This isn’t about moral purity for it’s own sake, but for the sake of God and His Kingdom. We all must honestly face (together) any sin that keeps us from the purposes we are called to.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”
When we cast off sinful ways and are able to hear and understand the truth of God, James reminds us that we are not nearly finished. Too often we settle for the right understanding of truth, thus deceiving ourselves as though we are being faithful. However, just as truth is most fully represented in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, so too is it necessary for us to embody His truth through faithful obedience. In some translations, it calls us to be “doers of the word”. This word “doer” is the Greek word “poietes”, the same word from which we get the word “poet”. In other words, we are called to be public performers of truth. What a beautiful image!
To hear the truth of God but fail to practice it is like looking in a mirror and, seeing the dirt on our face, be satisfied with the knowledge but do nothing to remedy it. The mirror of truth can feel like a mirror of judgment, but instead it is a gift of grace. In it we can not only see the sin which keeps us from the Father, but also the image of the Christ we are meant to reflect. It is a stunning and humbling privilege.
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
In the last section of chapter 1, James reminds us again to learn to keep our mouths shut and be “doers” of God’s truth. He shows us what it means to live truly worshipful lives for God. Evelyn Underhill defines worship like this:
“The adoring acknowledgment of all that lies beyond us—the glory that fills heaven and earth. It is the response that conscious beings make to their Creator, to the Eternal Reality from which they came forth.”
It is not true worship and devotion to God when we see, acknowledge and proclaim the truth- though these are all essential! It becomes true worship- true religion- when we live that truth in our own lives together. James’ emphasis on keeping morally pure and caring for those in need echoes Jesus own calling to love God (righteousness) and love our neighbours (justice). In this all the Law and the Prophets are summed up- and they do so in a command to be “doers”. It should be noted here that between helping others and staying pure the word “and” that separates them is not present in the original text, reinforcing the indivisible mandate for Christians to holiness and justice.
Lord, make us doers of Your truth by Your Spirit for Your glory!
