Month: November 2022

These passages in James are so full of goodness to apply to our sanctification.  James knows with wisdom from chapter 3 of his letter that the strife we have in this world is all attributed to the desire for ‘x’ (put anything but God in the ‘x’).  It’s either something we don’t have that we want or something someone else has that we want.  The selfishness of our culture is beyond words.  However, even when you look at how wars are started, it is always over wanting ‘more’.  It’s the ending of verse 2 that kills me.  “You do not have, because you do not ask.”  Now I know where James goes in Verse 3 but I want to camp out here for a second.  

​1 WHAT LEADS to strife (discord and feuds) and how do conflicts (quarrels and fightings) originate among you? Do they not arise from your sensual desires that are ever warring in your bodily members?
2 You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. James 4:1-2 [AMP]

One of my biggest issues is self-sufficiency.  I always go to how I can fix, how can I attain, how can I….?  Rarely does it go to ‘Can God fix this, would God will that I have, or how can God…’?  I always heard this saying and goes something like this, “Search after and love God with your whole mind, heart, and strength, and then do whatever you want…. because, what you will be wanting is what God wants, you will be hearing His voice in your life, seeing His hand moving, and His Holy Spirit will be working in you.  I know this is where James is going with this, but I just can help but dwell here in verses 1 and 2 and do the same thing you did—look at the world and all of its problems…and the whole set of reasons are right here in 2 verses.

​1 WHAT LEADS to strife (discord and feuds) and how do conflicts (quarrels and fightings) originate among you? Do they not arise from your sensual desires that are ever warring in your bodily members?
2 You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. James 4:1-2 [AMP]

‘I have often wondered that persons who make boast of professing the Christian religion – namely love, joy, peace, temperance, and charity to all men – should quarrel with such rancorous animosity, and display daily towards one another such bitter hatred, that this, rather than the virtues which they profess, is the readiest criteria of their faith.’

17th Century Jewish Philosopher Benedict de Spinoza

It seems that James is more bothered by the selfish spirit and bitterness of such quarrels than by the rights and wrongs of the various viewpoints. The source of these are the desires that battle within each one of us. We also see James’ point here reinforced in Peter’s letters as well:

Beloved, I implore you as aliens and strangers and exiles [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges (the evil desires, the passions of the flesh, your lower nature) that wage war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11

In James’ day, the arguments and conflicts that were disrupting Christian fellowship could not be ascribed to righteous passion or justifiable zeal; it was selfish, indulgent desire that was responsible. When we look at these verses and distill it down, we find that he is saying this:

• You desire but do not have, so you kill.
• You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.

This way of looking at it places the emphasis on the fact that frustrated desire leads to violence. It also focuses on the aspect that envy and jealousy (and related emotions) inevitably lead to hostility such as quarrels, wars, and murder.

When you look at it this way, you can see how fast things can escalate without unchecked emotions and soberness. These last couple of days of reading continue to press on the motives that back my desires. Am I clamoring for more here on this earth or are my sights truly set on an eternal hope?

Today was a rough day. Marianne is not feeling well and spent 4 hours at the WalkIn waiting to be seen only to discover she has a ‘Secondary Virus’ that she received no prescription for to treat. I had the “Littlest” and then had to organize pickups of the bigger kids at 2 different schools all while trying to be on work calls. God is good and helped everything work and get done. So thankful!

James 3:18 [AMP]
And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].

Today’s verse finishes up the section on wisdom. The amplified really amplifies this verse but is so good about really getting to the spirit of James’s remarks. Righteousness (living by Gods will and purposes in our life) and peace go hand in hand. I love the idea that the reaping of righteousness is sown in peace. Peace planted begets righteousness. When I think about it, righteousness is framed in and born from a mind that pursues peace. I’m still consuming this one.

I need to memorize today’s verse. I love how clearly James defines the wisdom that comes from above -> TRUE WISDOM.

James 3:17 [AMP]
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity).

The very first attribute that James gives to ‘Wisdom from Above’ is that it is “Pure” or “Undefiled”. Anything that comes from God is without fault; it is sin that corrupts.

‘Then’ James says that it is “Peaceloving”. In other words, wisdom from above does not seek devisivenes or combat. True wisdom looks for the common ground, the choices that defuse. In the same ‘then’ sentence he says that True Wisdom is also “Courteous” (or gentle and/or considerate). So not just peaceloving but also conscientious of feelings and tone. Giving ‘message delivery’ a strong place/weight as well as meaning or truth.

He then says it is “willing to yield to reason”. I see this as another aspect of humility where the person with the True Wisdom listens to the ‘reason’ and weighing against the situation and circumstances, voluntarily submits to the competing path being suggested.

“Full of Compassion and Good Fruits” feels saturated in empathy and willingness to work for and be of service to others.

“Wholehearted and Straightforward” means that the True Wisdom is not sourced from apathy or frivolousness; there is conviction and truth extended to support the wisdom being displayed.

Finally, “Impartial and Unfeigned” -> There is confidence when the wisdom is from above. When we pray for wisdom from God, He tells us to ask in full belief and faith that God will deliver. That is where this impartiality and unfeigning come from. The amplified expands to include ‘confidence’ and ‘integrity’ as aspects that define this wisdom.

APPLICATION: This is the wisdom I seek. As an elder at Canyon Hills, I want nothing more than to be just a vessel that executes Gods will and purposes for this body of believers. This verse conveys the attributes that I would want to have in the execution of my role. Confident in the direction that God would have us go yet ready to yield to reason and insight from my fellow brothers.

Remember yesterday was all about what True Wisdom looks like and I made the comment that James likely meant that there are examples of ‘wise and intelligent’ people who have a wisdom that is not TRUE. Well, here we are. James is going to get right to the point on what wisdom is that is counter to True.

14 But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth.
15 This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal).
16 For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. James 3:14-16 [AMP]

Unlike a wisdom executed in through commendable life that produces the fruit of good works through quiet humility, James talks here about wisdom drawn against goodness, driven through jealously and contention in our heart. James tells us that this is in defiance to of and false to the Truth. There is nothing about this ‘superficial wisdom’ that is from our Father in Heaven…it is earthly, secular, unspiritual, and can even be demonic.

I am immediately brought to my current work environment. I work with insanely smart people, but they are often driven by wanting to be in the level of their career. This aspirational drive to pursue earthly greatness is most times driven out of envy of those who are either in a place someone wants to be, or just selfish ambition born of greed. James tells is that where this kind of directed wisdom is executed; there will be a wake of unrest, disharmony, and rebellion. In the case of my current group, can also be manifested in cutting corners and driving subordinate employees too hard and putting the team through unhealthy marches and gauntlets.

I needed to hear this today because I must resist in my sinful thoughts that can manifest in these actions and pursue good works soaked in quiet humility. When I have sought and exercised True Wisdom, I have found that in the workplace, this can be one of the greatest witnesses of the Grace, Mercy, and Love of Jesus and often produces opportunity to share why I choose to operate the way I do. Opportunities to share what the God of the Bible has done in my life and how He has changed my heart.

I am posting a day behind today as we had ‘FriendsGiving’ with our Life Group peeps. It was an amazing night as I was able to cook some beef I love to make, and everyone brought yummy side dishes. Really enjoyed the evening!

13 Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom. James 3:13 [AMP]

This next passage (James 3:13-18) is on ‘Wisdom from Above’. This first verse explains what True Wisdom looks like -> A wise and intelligent person whose commendable life has the fruit of good works executed with quiet humility. What James also is likely saying here is that there are also ‘wise and intelligent people’ who are not in possession of True Wisdom. I would definitely not characterize myself as wise and intelligent but more curious and thoughtful. Regardless, I love the thought of living a life that produces goods works in a humble approach. Never drawing attention to oneself but having a positive impact on others. Moving quietly, being motivated by my God given love of others and discernment to see and help those in need…without fanfare or seeking recognition.

As I continue to read through James, I can see how all this weaves together. It will be fun to do a lookup by the #james tag here in this blog to see how my takeaways all work together.

Back home today and back to work. Work has not gotten better over the weekend. I am faced with some very tall demands. It isn’t a ton of work, it is just heavy work. I was telling Marianne tonight that I need to see this time as a place where I must operate in a mindset that I get to do my best and at the same time sit back and watch God work.

9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God’s likeness!
10 Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so.
11 Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter?
12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can a salt spring furnish fresh water. James 3:9-12 [AMP]

This is a super convicting passage when I think about the missteps I have had with my speech in regard to my kiddos or even co-workers in the past. Here I am in church praising God in both song and prayer; then turn around and completely lose my composure and spew poison from that same mouth that set out to glorify God days earlier. The other thing in the first verse is the description of those we ‘lose it’ with being those who were made in God’s likeness (imago dei). In verse 10 James tells politely that ‘this should not be so’.

The comparison with fountain sending forth different types of water (fresh and bitter) or a fig tree bearing anything other than the fruit it naturally produces.

I continue to be here in Chelan, WA on vacation with the family in this beautiful place. I am so thankful to the Lord for the ability to take little trips like this. It has been so refreshing and nice to get specific time focused on each other.

James 3:6-7 [AMP]
And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man’s nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna).
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature).

These two verses are extremely damning to our speech. It’s incredibly powerful how James does not characterize these evil tongues toward any single population (believer vs unbeliever)…Everyone has THIS evil member of their body. The whole aspect wrapped up in the ability to tame an animal, and how we’re able to do this with pretty good efficiency, yet man has still not been able to tame the tongue.  What this pretty much tells me is that we need to learn to cage the animal; not tame it.  God’s word gives us all we need to know about understanding His character and how to be more like His Son. In regard to our tongues, it needs to be more about when to hold it versus went to try to control it.

In today’s passage James asserts the directional power of the tongue as well as its destructiveness.

3 If we set bits in the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about.
4 Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! James 3:3-5 [AMP]

In verse 3 James uses the image of how a bridled horse can be controlled by manipulating a bit that is in its mouth. Verse 4 uses a similar image of a large ship that even though it has all the influences of the environment around it, a helmsman can direct the ship in any way he pleases. So, when applied to me -> …just as the bit determines the direction of the horse and the rudder the ship, my tongue can determine the destiny of my life. When I exercise careful control of the tongue, it can be presumed that I am also are able to direct my whole life in its proper, divinely charted course: through God’s strength in this area, I can become ‘perfect’ (v. 2). But when my tongue is not restrained, small though it is, the rest of my body is likely to be uncontrolled and undisciplined as well.

Finally, in verse 5, there are 2 points that James makes: 1) Even though the tongue is small, it can have big impact in what it can communicate and manipulate. I have seen amazing orators be able to move whole audiences into action or words from factious intentions make divisions and splits between people. Just look at the fact that the internet refers to talking video heads as -> INFLUENCERS. 2) 5b talks about the destructive power of the tongue which is appropriately connected to the ‘tongue boasting of great things’. When the tongue speaks, it has the potential to cause great destruction just as a small spark can destroy acres of forest and millions of dollars in personal property. I have been reading a book called Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier…frightening how much the words of supposed ‘experts’ have on the lives of teens and adolescents.

Personal Application: I must recognize the lasting power of my words on my children, my co-workers, and friends/family. More importantly, on the souls under my care in regard to eternal ramifications. I know that God is sovereign, and His will and purposes will be met, but I can cause disruption and harder avenues because of my choices. I can stand as a can of water to diffuse rather than a can of gasoline to incite. I must make minute, hourly, daily choices to control my tongue and thus enabling my desire to have a ‘God glorifying’ walk as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Today I start James 3 where the first 10 verses focus on the disaster waiting to happen that is ‘our tongues’. The first 2 verses start this conversation with calling out the ministry that stands to be most impacted by this wild member of the body -> Teachers of the Word.

​1 NOT MANY [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].
2 For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature. James 3:1-2

James’ warning about venturing into the teaching ministry is clear. Those who answer this call should not do it frivolously or speedily. There are other passages in God’s Word where much is required from those who much is given. I have the utmost respect for those who have been called into the teaching ministry and because of the risk the tongue poses to those who are having to continually open their mouths. Even in leadership positions this is an occupational hazard. This is a great reminder to apply this passage squarely to my own life in regard to my place in the church, my job as a father, and being a husband.

I love this quote from the Tyndale Commentary on James 3:1-2. “So difficult is the mouth to control, so given is it to uttering the false, the biting, the slanderous word, so prone to stay open when it were more profitably closed, that the person who has it under control surely has the ability to conquer other, less unruly, members of the body.” It is so on the mark even though it is put in the positive tone.