Being "Doers" of the Word! (James 1:19-27)

Introduction

This passage centres around being people of the Word. By “Word” here we mean God’s Word … as revealed in the Bible. That does not mean people who simply gather around the Word, hear the Word, or even know the Word. James here commends being “doers” of the Word. This is clearly distinguished from just being “hearers” of the Word. It is said here that “hearers” of the word “deceive themselves”. Why would this be so?? Because people think, in the hearing, that they have done all that is required! They can nod their head, say ‘well-preached’, and then go out unchanged. Are we fair-dinkum?

The “Implanted Word”

Verse 21 talks about making room for the “Word of God”. We make space for the “Word” by ridding ourselves of other stuff – that stuff which is either detrimental or superfluous. When you buy new furniture for your house, what do you have to do before this new furniture is delivered?? To really have space for the “Word of God”, we have to decide to “rid ourselves” of any dark and destructive stuff, or of any barriers that stand in our way. Sometimes people try to retain this old stuff while trying to squeeze in some bits of the “Word”. But would this ever really work well?!? We talked about problem of the ‘double-minded’ person last time – the results are never really much good.

Let’s look at this great phrase (v.21b), “… welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls”. To “welcome” is to willingly and happily allow access – it is to say, ‘please come in’. To do this with “meekness” is to admit that we can’t go it alone or we can’t do without … that we are in need and ready to learn. “Meekness” revolves around trust. To be “meek” is to be ‘open’ and ‘teachable’. To be “meek” means that, where necessary, our mind can be changed. We know that there are many views that just do not fit with the ‘kingdom of God’. “Meekness” is a preparedness or readiness to respond to something new (or maybe it’s actually something old and valuable that has been forgotten).

NB. There is no correlation between “meek and ‘weak’, for meekness (in the biblical sense), meaning openness and teach-ability, are actually great strengths – “… welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls”. Yes, we are saved by grace alone through faith. But what James seems to be suggesting, is that without having the “implanted word” we won’t last the journey! So where there is space and teach-ability, the “Word” can find a place to dwell and take deep root, then grow the person and produce good fruit. This process will ultimately save our souls, because the “implanted Word” takes us straight to Jesus, and through Jesus we find salvation. In a way, to crowd the “Word” out is to crowd Jesus out.

So much so does the “Word of God” (in its entirety) point to Jesus, Jesus himself is called the “Logos” or “Word” in John’s Gospel. So often does James closely reflect the teaching of Jesus! For example, “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it (Mark 8:35). This also speaks of a readiness to empty oneself to be newly filled. Having the “Word” implanted means we are more likely to say and do the right thing more often. We also are able to come to greater maturity in what we believe and how we apply it. This is because our default positions are changing, from the ones we previously let develop, to the ones the implanted “Word” is moving us towards.

Being a “Doer”

What does it mean to be a “doer” of the Word (verse 22)??

·        To put the Bible’s principles into action. And by this, I would mean those strong repeating major themes that keep coming through the books of Scripture. We have to be careful that we put the emphasis in the right places. We have to know that there is a great variety in types of writing within the 66 books collated together to form the Bible. The Pharisees got in trouble with Jesus for picking on minor points within the Hebrew canon (Old Testament) and oppressing people with these. Examples of this would be the requirement to divide out a tenth of the small little herbs that the people grew for an accurate tithe; or criticising someone who would lend a hand to help another just because it was the Sabbath. This is where ‘law’ (in a penal sense) takes back from grace, and faith becomes a chore rather than a liberty.

·        So what is really meant, is a positive demonstration of the good news of Jesus in both word and action. You might also say … to be a “doer” of the Word, is to act as Jesus acted. To be a "doer" is to actually allow the Bible to influence your life.

When it comes to mere “hearers”, James (in verses 23-24) gives us an analogy concerning looking into a mirror but quickly forgetting what was seen there. A person checks their hair and that their clothes are on straight, and then as soon as they turn away, they couldn’t even tell you what colour their hair is or what clothes they put on. This is the level to which the Word of God has penetrated! Some of us might be happy not to remember what they see in the mirror. I actually remember well … seeing George Clooney in the mirror every morning. However, the point of this mirror analogy, is that if the “Word” has not taken proper root within us, if we have only merely heard it, if it hasn’t really become a part of us, then it will be easily forgotten … by just about the first step into the day’s affairs. We can hear the Bible read, but not take it in. We can read the Bible for ourselves, but not really engage with its meaning. It is possible to believe in God, but not be responsive to even basic directions or promises. It is then likely that our experience of the day is far short of what is promised to the “doers” of God’s Word – “they will be blessed in their doing” (verse 25b).

James uses another term for the “Word” in verse 25 – “the perfect law”, seeking to emphasise the same point. The “perfect law” is the epitome of ethical and moral teaching. Thus the “perfect law” is … the “law of liberty”, with no sense of enslavement or oppression. This is the “law” or “Word” that redeems, and thus brings freedom to individuals, families and communities. Blessing certainly follows along with this “perfect law”. There is a sense in the original Greek, that is just simply translated here “look” into the perfect law, of intense looking, or looking intently, or a penetrating look, or internalising. This is then underlined by adding the phrase … “and persevere” – making this a constant and ongoing quest.

None of this is easy, especially under trial; but this is the way to follow Jesus into a fruitful life. And it is under trial that we need the "implanted word" the most - to safeguard us, to encourage us and to guide us. Psalm 119:11 says, "I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you".

·        If we want a summary of the major points of being “doers” of the Word, then we only have to wade into verses 26 and 27. If we want something to examine ourselves against, then here it is! There is a whole passage about taming the tongue coming up later in James, so we’ll leave further comments on that to then. But I will pick up the two points in verse 27:

(i)                To care for orphans and widows in their distress – this is an external application of the “Word” – and a positive level of engagement – caring for the most vulnerable in our community. James would be citing “orphans and widows”, because these would be the poorest of the poor in his context, and the most defenceless – a context where there would be no regulated support for those devoid of the male income, and where exploitation was rife. Who would be the “orphans and widows” in our context, or, in our lives?? Since the needs of such people are constantly on God’s heart, God expects the same heart to be in us.

(ii)              To keep oneself unstained by the world – or, (NIV) “keep oneself from being polluted by the world” – this is more an internal assessment that has external ramifications. This is not to say … to stay apart from the world, as many have applied it; not when Jesus had said, “Go into all the world …”. It rather means not letting the world rub off, or where you would wear on your clothes marks of the sort of “sordidness” referred to earlier. Here comes a separation from any false values held by the larger society. What in the world can stain us!?!

Putting these two concepts from James 1:27 together, comes out very much like the do justice, love kindness and walk humbly that we read in Micah 6:8.

Being “Quick to Listen”

As mentioned last time, there is always the temptation, certainly prevalent in the world, to put yourself first, and see others as sources of your happiness. This leads to the sort of quick-speaking, poor words and angry outbursts that are warned against here (v.19-20,26). We are to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to express anger”. Being “slow to speak” (v.19) opens the space for greater understanding of another person’s situation, thus building empathy. Being “slow to speak” also puts a check on what we are going to say before we say it, reducing the possibility of unnecessary hurt. To be quiet can be the path to new knowledge.

We might understand this best through certain contrasts – the ‘world’ on one side and the ‘kingdom of God’ on the other:

·        It’s all about me versus real listening to another person

·        Saying whatever comes to mind versus being discerning and sensitive with words

·        Just hitting back versus guarding oneself against being simply reactive

·        Doing whatever comes natural versus seeking higher standards

·        Doing all the talking versus listening to the inner voice of God

·        Being unresponsive, passive or forgetful “hearers” versus being active “doers”.

We can conclude by listening to Jeremiah 17:5-8, which has something very sad and challenging to say, and then something very encouraging.

Thus says the Lord:

Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord. 6 They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.

7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.

James part one - trials that lead to growth (1:1-18)

Introduction

We are reading from a letter written by James (around the year 50CE), the younger brother of Jesus, and a leader in the early church, to Christians who had been dispersed due to persecution. This letter was intended to be circulated to strengthen people who wanted to be able to follow Jesus with credibility through tough times; hence starting with the topic of trials. Basically, this is a letter about practical everyday faith.

“Trials” come in various forms and quite frequently. Trials tend to test our faith and our coping mechanisms. Such trials, we would not have chosen for ourselves! We didn’t want it, we don’t like it, but here it is! A “trial” has been defined as, a trying experience or person. So, from illness (and various other trials) to that critical person, trials come with the power to undo us. But James teaches here that trials also come with the power to teach us and grow us. After all, if everything was easy how would we grow!?! Think of a tea-bag. Unless that tea-bag is placed in hot water, what good would it ever be!?!

Ø You might quickly reflect on a trial that you have endured and what you might have gained out of it;

Ø You might also now reflect on a current trial, one which you’re not quite sure where it is heading.

I know we have people here who have had recent and difficult trials – and we would never want to underestimate their pain. In fact, first and foremost, whenever someone we know is enduring suffering, we should simply be there as supporters. We don’t need to ask or say anything, for we pray that there will, in time, be the space for God to bring about the healing. God draws close to all those who are suffering, bringing forward a special measure of peace – calming disturbed waters.

Trials and endurance (v.1-4)

The teaching before us asks us to change our perspective on trials – to look beyond the trials to a particular long-term outcome i.e. “that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing” (v.4b). And because of this grand outcome, we should endure whatever trials come upon us with “joy” (v.2), because we know where such trials are taking us. Easy to say! Yes … but what alternatives do we have? It’s either look beyond, or be squashed under the weight.

This is, of course, not just a human quest; but rather God is with us as we seek to endure trials. This new perspective on our trials has been described with the phrase, ‘choosing what you did not choose’ (Jacques Phillippe), i.e. ‘I choose to accept this situation, even though I did not choose it deliberately, as a situation in which God can work for my good and His glory’.

Ø It is another worthwhile exercise for us to consider how it would look if we were “mature and complete, lacking in nothing” [… if we could be described in that way]. If we are able to answer this in a God-inspired way, and have a true picture of our potential ‘maturity and completeness’, then, according to James, enduring various trials will help us get there!

What do we mean by the word “endure”? To “endure” is to go beyond the first and second efforts – we don’t give in or become passive, nor get bogged down in ‘why’ or ‘when’ questions. There are gains to be made on the way through and further gains out the end. To become “mature and complete” is something to be open to … not striving for so much, but allowing God enough access to bring this about! So, we don’t so much fight against tough times, but rather flow with them; some may even say … ‘embrace’ them.

Again I don’t want to underplay certain tragedies that come upon us. Any violence or abuse committed against us is always wrong and remains wrong. Perpetrators are not excused from their culpability and responsibility (even if they can be forgiven at some stage). God regrets that such things happen to his people – this comes from evil. Yet, God, over time, can still bring about healing, new possibilities and growth.

Unfortunately people often blame God when bad things happen to them; and this can produce a life-long antipathy towards God and the church. However, God cannot do evil … for God is Love … and evil is incompatible with love … only human beings can do evil. God on the other hand, weeps with the oppressed and violated, and seeks to restore them to health.

Enduring trials can, for some, be quite a lengthy process. Those in this situation will always benefit from our prayer support. I would invite any such people, struggling with some area of pressure, to ask for prayer support (if you haven’t already). Don’t expect people to just know – you may need to communicate your need. There will be others who can testify to the sense of peace and blessing that they have received, through knowing that others are praying for them. And we shouldn’t deny that we are under trial, or try to hide our trials, because we really do need the support of others to come through to the other end. We should be developing a mutually supportive environment in which people can easily share about their difficulties in daily living (without any judgement occurring).

Life is full of trials – that’s just the way it is. Work issues, disloyalty, family disruption, broken relationships and financial problems are further forms of trial. There are also times of trial that come against whole communities (including churches) e.g. complex demands or concerted hostility. Such trials are never a judgement against us – rather they just happen as part of life. But all is never lost, for there is something to be gained. Trials of various kinds can be seen as learning experiences and opportunities to draw closer to God. For example:

·        a short period of unemployment might help us clarify what we should be doing with our working lives;

·        a virus might force us to take the rest we have needed for quite a while;

·        a betrayal may help us define what are the most important aspects of friendship, and then apply these;

·        a shortfall in cash might train us to trust God more.

Another definition of a “trial” says, testing the qualities of something. Any new invention needs to go through a (possibly rigorous) period of trial or testing before it reaches its optimum performance – the same goes with life following Jesus. So, there actually may be some new quality of character formed or helpful insight gained through a time of trial. One such quality could be ‘empathy’ – a new level of understanding and compassion for others under trial, due to similar trials that we ourselves have recently endured.

Trials do tend to bring suffering at times. Three very important things when we start to think about suffering:

(i)                Jesus does not observe human suffering from a distance, but is somehow in human suffering … with us and for us – from the cross Jesus draws all suffering people to himself … Jesus is the ultimate source of grace and help in any time of need;

(ii)              Nothing can separate from the love of God – this Paul tells us in Romans (8:35-39) … not hardship, not distress, not persecution, not famine, not nakedness, not peril, not sword, not even death;

(iii)            Just as Jesus understands and enters our suffering because he has already suffered himself, we are able to use our suffering to understand and enter the suffering of others.

Double vision (v.5-11)

Let us turn to a problem that James raises about our capacity to see and understand this positive view of trials. In verse 8 we read about the person who is described as “double-minded”. Because they don’t really see nor understand, they can’t expect to “receive anything from the Lord” (that will take them forward). The “double-minded” person has severe trouble with “trials”. This is because they lack wisdom and make poor decisions; for wisdom is needed to bring meaning to where trials may lead.

What is a “double-minded” person?? They look to God sometimes, but not always; this is often because they have more ‘gods’ in their life than just their Creator. They sometimes pray, but then often act as if they hadn’t prayed. In happy or prosperous times, God seems a good enough option when it suits them. However, under pressure they may tend to look in other directions, and more and more ignore God. Such people have actually kept their options open.

We see this so often – people “driven and tossed by the wind” … going nowhere good. And, looking on, it’s so hard to know what to do about it! People in this space seem to get more and more fixed against God and us. We can only but continue to love them, pray for them, help them practically when we can, maintain friendship with them – at the same time continuing to humbly live out an alternative life orientation.

Why doesn’t a “double-minded” person “receive anything from the Lord”?? It’s not that they don’t want it as much, nor that God doesn’t love them enough [as much as anybody else] or that God doesn’t want to bless them – but rather that they remove themselves and don’t give God access. This is so sad! It might be material things that get priority (over God); this is why being “rich” is so problematical (refer verse 11b). God can only be found from a place of humility, a place of admitted brokenness, from the lowliest of places … where it is God who lifts us up (v.9).

So “trials” come, in part, even though it can also go the other way, to get our minds focussed, to keep us grounded (in God) – to remove that ‘double-vision’, and to dispense with ‘stuff’ that gets in the way. Such ‘stuff’ might be sin, or it could be baggage like bitterness, or it could be surplus material concerns. It could also be pride, or a desire to remain in control. It could also be a mess of frantic activity in which we seek to hide. The person who is able to form a more singular focus (and gain wisdom) will grow their roots deeply into God. When any strong winds come along, even a hurricane, he or she will be able to maintain their footing.

Temptation (v.12-16)

James goes on in verse 12 to speak about one particular type of trial – “temptation”. Temptation never, of course, originates from God, but rather from human desire; from those vulnerable places where Christ has not had total victory as yet. This is where there is an internal human inclination toward doing the wrong thing. The greatest temptation of all is to place our own wants above and beyond other people’s needs – to seek to control others according to our own agendas. And one of the direst results of giving in to temptation, and we think especially of the family situation here, is not being for others the sort of person they need us to be for them, but rather something a whole lot less.

However, God is always available to help us overcome temptation, as long as we are also prepared to restrain ourselves; and when we fall, show regret and a sincere desire to change. Jesus certainly set us an example of how a singular vision (rather than a double mind) can beat temptation (refer Matthew 4:1-11). God helps us to overcome temptation, in part, by giving us ‘alternative life pictures’, or by offering us, as James puts it (in verse 12b), “the crown of life”. This is the ultimate life, an expression of our full potential, following the way of Jesus, enjoying our relationship with God, fulfilling worthwhile occupations, being effective, and demonstrating all the attributes of God’s character.  One such ‘alternative life picture’ is found in 2^nd Timothy chapter 2 (v.11-12a) – “If we have died with him [Jesus], we shall also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him”.

First fruits (v.17-18)

Verse 17 points out that all goodness has its origin in God. Any goodness that we can impart has its origin in God’s character. It flows from God to us. We were actually born with this potential to impart goodness – each us made in God’s image – male and female (Genesis 1:27). Trials can disrupt this flow of goodness, or, on the other hand, seen with the right perspective, trials can actually manifest goodness. One example of this goodness is generosity. We often learn generosity through tough times. As we become generous people we actually become a demonstration of a giving God; or if you like, we turn the lights on … for God to be seen as His generous self.

This passage from James then, has taken us on a journey, from trials that can be endured, to vision that can be rectified, through temptation that can be overcome, to a level of growth whereby we partner with God in His mission. So, there it is, we can be joyful in trial … when it all can turn out this way!! God gives us today what we will need for tomorrow. As we look back through what we have endured, we can only thank God that He has made sense of it all … via who we have become.

Enduring trials with new perspective, gaining new wisdom, and resisting temptation, will all lead to becoming what James describes as, “a kind of first fruits of his creatures” ... basically, 'leaders in the community' (v.18b). Just as the first fruits of a harvest were given and dedicated to the work of God, this means lives that are set aside for God’s good purposes. This means we have a ministry to the world; or … at least … to anyone that God places across our path! The experience we have gained, and our level of growth … lights the path for others. We can reflect the hope that trials can be endured, and evil can be restrained. Our very lives can testify that God is loving, merciful and faithful, and that, because of this, life can take on new meaning. Amen!