July 15, 2014 (Tuesday)
James was our Lord’s brother and the leader of the Jerusalem church. The Book of James is probably one of the earliest of the New Testament books. It emphasizes the practical aspects of the Christian life. Probably the key idea of the book is found in James 2:18, “But someone will say ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” (NIV). The book mentions Jesus only twice, and does not emphasize doctrine. Instead it calls for commitment to morality as expressed mainly in how people should treat each other.
James – a devotional thought
The book of James dealt with issues that were very real and personal. It is therefore a kind of manual for Christian living, focusing on guidance for specific situations. I personally like Paul’s approach better, in which we are urged to cooperate with the Spirit of God within us to produce fruit: “Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control,” making it possible to use these principles in dealing with specific situations.