Autumn 2015

My brothers and sisters,^* whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, ³because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; ⁴and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:2-4

 

We have been walking with James through the past several weeks in our Revised Common Lectionary readings. James’ authorship is debatable – some scholars believe that it was written by an apostle, some believe it was composed by a later admirer and follower of The Way. Many affirm it was written by James the brother of Jesus, an early leader in the church. Some deny its authenticity completely, and even Martin Luther wanted to have it banned from the canon completely, because it demands demonstration of faith, an opposition against Pauline “sola fide” – justification by faith alone. Regardless, women and men much more insightful than I over the centuries have found it to be authentic in presentation of our faith foundation, as well as inspirational in its commands for communities of Christian through the centuries.

 

Personally, I squirm each week as the readings are proclaimed from the lectern. I’ve even gone back to read the portions of the readings not always included. Here are some of James’ “Greatest Hits”:

…the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord…-1:6

 

…rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls…-1 :21

 

…faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead…-2:17

 

…show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom…-3:14

As our beautiful Prayers of the People affirm each week, we are a community that relies on connectedness and mutual affection, a gathering of friends and family who support one another in our spiritual journeys, and a faithful following that recognizes that what we say and do in worship must manifest in our lives outside of the hour we spend together on Sunday mornings. The Epistle of James was clearly written to both inspire Christians but also to challenge them to manifest faith and hope in how they engage their neighbors, do their jobs, relate to family. Christianity is not a thing that is mere belief, but it is our whole disposition to every moment of our lives. Moments of joy? They are a gift from God! Moments of despair? They are a gift to reflect on our reliance on God. Moments of frustration? They are a gift to trust in God’s grace to give us patience.

 

We believe, and our belief is demonstrated in our Christian disposition to see everything in light of God’s grace. Paul’s justification is not ignored by James; it is made manifest in our ability to insert that faith into our responses to every moment of our life. In this way, my faith doesn’t dictate my reactions; my reactions are framed by my indelible faith. We read James because we need to. Repeatedly. And whole-heartedly.

 

In Christ’s Peace,

Shawn+