If I had to summarize the book of James, I would say that it can be classified as “Faith 101.” Each chapter instructs Christians on how to live a godly life.
James 1 discusses trials and temptations, and how a Christian should act and react during these times. James 1:2-4 tells us to “consider it joy,” whenever we face trials, because when our faith is tested, we develop perseverance, and we mature spiritually. We will also be blessed, when we persevere, and receive the crown of life (James 1:12). James also talked about temptation. When we are enticed to sin by Satan, by others, or when our own thoughts or sinful desires tempt us, then we need to make the decision to stand firm. Otherwise, “after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death (James 1:15).” James reminds us that God is not the one who tempts us (James 1:13). As a matter of fact, 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” James 1 also gives us clear instruction about listening, as well as putting our faith into action. James tells us in James 1:19 to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” He warns us that we should use our words wisely and keep a tight rein on our tongue (James 1:26).
Chapter two discusses favoritism in the body of Christ, as well as faith and works. James instructs us by saying, “don't show favoritism (James 2:1).” “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers (James 2:8-9).” When it comes to faith and works, James asks us, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him (James 2:14)?” He encourages us not to merely listen to the word, but to “do what it says (James 1:22).” Chapter two of James is concluded with the statement, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead (James 2:26).” What kind of impact can we make in the world and in the lives of others by only sitting in a church pew? We are the body of Christ, and we are the hands and feet of Jesus. Faith without works is merely lip service. We will be most effective in our faith, when we look outside of ourselves and give away what God has given to us.
James chapter three is one of the most well known chapters in the Bible, as part of it talks about taming the tongue. James tells us that “the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts (James 3:5).” “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell (James 3:5-6).” James also describes the tongue as “a restless evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8).” “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing (James 3:10).” I’m pretty convinced that all believers in Christ can relate to the words in James 3. How many of us have said things that we wish we could take back? How many of us have spoken out of anger and later regretted our words? How many of us have struggled with our language, whether that be a struggle not to complain, not to cut ourselves or others down, not to be negative, not to gossip, not to use bad language, etc.?
So what does James say that we can do about our tongue? James 3:8 says, “no man can tame the tongue.” This would lead us to believe that we may be at a loss. However, remember what James said in chapter one. James said, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless (James 1:26).” These verses imply that we may not be able to tame our tongue on our own, but we can keep a tight rein on it. Remember the words of Jesus who said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God (Luke 18:27)." While it may be difficult for us to tame our tongue, God is able to help us. We can also do our part by keeping a tight rein on our tongue by being mindful of what comes out of our mouths and by having self-control. I’m willing to be open and honest and say that I have personally struggled with my own tongue. Whether I have struggled with complaining, negative self talk or whether the occasional bad word has come out of my mouth unexpectedly (or expectedly), I have sought the Lord about my tongue. He has helped me come a long way from where I used to be, but there is still work that is left to be done, and sometimes I fall short of the woman that I know I am in Him.
We have to first seek God and admit that we have a problem with the way we use our words. Once we seek Him, we need to allow Him to renew our minds. I personally believe that most significant change that takes place in a believer’s life will first take place in his/her mind. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Spend time in prayer and in God’s Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you before you speak. Be mindful of your words, and be mindful of the things that you are listening to and watching. If you are in an environment where other people don’t have a tight rein on their tongue then consider changing your environment. If you are unable to change your environment (your living situation, your job, etc.), then try to be aware of what you are listening to on a daily basis and do the best you can to minimize or counteract the intake. For example, if you have a desk job, then take headphones to work and listen to uplifting or godly music. If you feel like you are questioning your words in a certain situation, then you may want to consider not saying anything at all. Try to breathe and pray before you speak, mainly during moments when you are in a disagreement with someone or if there are hurt feelings involved.
In James 3:13-18, James compares the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. James tells us that if we are wise, then we should show it by the good life that we live, by deeds done in humility (James 3:13). He goes on to tell us that harboring bitter envy and selfish ambition does not come heaven, “but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice (James 3:15-16).” We know from these verses that we need to put away envy and selfish ambition, in order to avoid what the world considers to be wisdom. Next, James gives examples of the kind of wisdom that we should seek to attain as followers of Jesus. Wisdom from heaven is “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).” He tells us that “peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness (3:18).” So if we want to possess heavenly wisdom, sow peace, and “harvest righteousness,” then we need to be pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, bear good fruit, and be impartial, as well as sincere. These things are often easier said than done, but if we repetitively walk in a way that pleases God, eventually most (if not all) of these character traits will become second nature to us. Keep in mind that it is just as easy to learn good habits and positive, godly character traits as it is to learn bad habits and negative, ungodly character traits. Allow God to transform and renew you (Romans 12:2).
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