I think of Jesus’ brother, James who wrote the book but didn’t believe in Jesus until after the resurrection, when a change took place in his life. He became a believer and the leader of the churches in Jerusalem and delt with areas of misbelief and behavioral problems in the congregations. He frankly tells them in the fourth chapter that they are spoiled children and that their quarreling comes about because they all want their own way. He says, “You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and His way.” He goes on to say what God gives in love is far better than anything else they would find, for God goes against the proud and gives grace to the willing humble.
We may like to think of the church as a place where perfect people come together and there is harmony and peace. But really the church is more like a hospital where sick people come who want their illnesses diagnosed and healed. God uses pastors and leaders to help in that process, and as we are willing and open to humbly confess those areas of our lives, we are on the road to wholeness.
James was used of God to confront those things in the churches that needed attention and call people to maturity. It has been said in church tradition that he was called “Old Camel Knees” as he spent so much time on his knees in prayer. Let that be said of us as well.
Leave a Reply