the book of James has always been my favorite book of the bible. now i am not sure if it is "correct" to have a favorite book but there it is... James is my favorite. in 8th grade i had a class all about James and it was the first time that i truly enjoyed studying something so deeply. though James was a prominent man in the times of the Bible, he writes his book like a friend. it is nothing that cannot be understood by the newest of Christians and there is application in every section.
after having just read james 1:19-27 with Rob before bed just a few days ago, my new father in law, Mark, preached on the same passage this morning. now, when i first heard it i was almost disappointed because i already "knew" what it said. well. nope. i was wrong about that. i knew what the words were but the exhortation was exactly what i needed this morning. so, thank you.
i understand the passage in three ways: trials. listening. true religion.
trials: they are from the Lord. the Lord is not responsible for the temptation that follows along with the trial but He creates trials for our own good and none of us are exempt. the craziest part of the whole subject is what our reaction ought to be. JOY. react with true joy knowing that we are becoming the people that Christ has called us to be. one of my greatest personal faults is ignoring this command and lashing out in anger, thus sinning. JOY. can you believe that it is as simple and as terribly difficult as that.
listening: hearing what God has in store for me through prayer and through His Word.
step one: preparation must occur before any listening can take place. you must have the right heart to enter into each and every encounter with something that might be oppositional to what you want to hear. failing to prepare our hearts will most likely create self rejection of the "conversation" or change that must occur.
step two: approach meekly, humbly. i have to be willing and patient to have my faults not only pointed out but in all likelihood, illuminated. Rob knows all too well that this is my least favorite moment of any conversation or disagreement. and most people know that meek is not one of my highlighted personality traits. my though is always "why should i be the one at fault when it is (more likely that not) something that occurred from more than my own personal actions. well, i am learning (slowly, yes) that i cannot do anything about actions other than my own. no one else is responsible for me nor the other way around. 2012 is a year for learning what a meek and humble lindsey looks like.
step three: change. true hearing leads to doing something about the problem. taking sin away requires adding something else to my heart that will be filling in a righteous way - there is no room for "empty space"
true religion: i will admit to you that i am not the biggest fan of the word religion. it has always had a negative connotation for me. but this was something that i am willing to hold onto - the simplicity is just perfect for someone with a mind like mine. sometimes simplicity is all it takes. true religion values listening more than speaking.
true religion. peace over wrath. others over self. compassion over selfishness. it strengthens and edifies over weakening and tearing down. it is living in the presence of God over an individual hiding from it.
2012 already feels like it is full of change and opportunity for growth. i am grateful for my family. my church. my husband most of all. the year has just begun and i am excited already.
