A Good Look In The Mirror | Study The Book of James With Me
Resources from this episode:
Book of James
Show Notes:
Found in the New Testament of the Bible, the book of James is chock-full of proverbial speech and instructions on how to live the Christian life with integrity. Written by wise and courageous peacemaker, James–half-brother of Jesus–the book serves as a self-check or “good look in the mirror.” While studying James, let the scriptures permeate your spirit. As you filter your life through the truth in the Word, be encouraged to live differently; let James compel you to lead a life that ultimately reflects Jesus!
There’s no denying that the lives of those in the New Testament weren’t void of trials. This makes the scriptures and stories applicable to our own lives today. Each main theme from the book of James centers around love and how the love Christians exude–to both friend, foe, and acquaintance– should look the same.
When studying the Book of James, focus on the following points. While you read and study, take time to reflect on your motives in your relationships in all areas of life.
Point Number 1 of Reflection from the Book of James-
Do you show favor to people that you can benefit from in some way or another?
Friend, how do you love people? The Bible talks about the kind of love Jesus had for us–a selfless, sacrificial love. He loves us without expecting anything in return. James reminds us that we need to not just love from a place of what someone else can do for us. Matthew 5: 43-44 reads, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Love–no matter who you’re directing it to–is a protectant to your heart. Be challenged to go beyond surface-level relationships and love one another regardless of what you can or cannot get in return.
Point Number 2 of Reflection from the Book of James-
Check your words. Is what you’re saying aligning with God’s Word and biblical principles?
James 3 focuses on taming the tongue. James 3: 9-12 states:
“With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. This should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? Can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
Your words are a great revealer of your heart; how you talk about other people is a window that exposes what you feel. Words affect your life. There is great power in declarations. Our tongues are like a rudder that directs the course of our lives(James 3: 4). Be intentional in avoiding being double-minded and unstable in all of your ways (James 1:8), guard your heart, and watch your words.
Point Number 3 of Reflection from the Book of James-
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
A healthy and growing church should include people of all cultures, ages, and socioeconomic statuses. The cross of Jesus Christ is a great neutralizer. Wealth should not divide the church because, at the end of the day, we all need Jesus. God has a plan and purpose for every life and it isn’t defined by money or education.
As you dive deeper into your study of the book of James, let it challenge your heart. Integrity is when your motives and values are consistent with your actions. Faith without action is dead (James 2:26). Are you treating everyone with love?
Point Number 4 of Reflection from the Book of James-
Trials in life are part of the road to victory; there is a maturing and wholeness added to your life with a perfecting of your faith.
“Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4)
God is good, so whenever you look through trials through goodness, you will see an aspect of God that will become a treasure to you. Trials make you stronger and make your faith stronger, too.
If your intention is to grow, be bold, using the book of James as a mirror for your heart. Reflect, be refined, and ask yourself–do my motives match the nature of Jesus?