THE BOOK OF JAMES
James |jāmz| leader of the early Christian Church at Jerusalem; known as St. James the Justor the Lord's brother. He was put to death by the Sanhedrin. Feast day, May 1.• the epistle of the New Testament traditionally ascribed to St. James.
The book of James was written by Jesus’ brother to Jewish Christians in AD 45-47. Although this is a letter, it reads more like a sermon a pastor might preach about how to have wisdom in daily life.
The chapter starts out with a famous verse about how to deal when troubles come our way:
“When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you.” James 1:2-5 (NLT)
But one of my favorite pieces of wisdom in the entire Bible (especially for women) is a set of verses in James Chapter 3—warning us not to be jealous.
It can be so easy to compare ourselves to others these days—especially as women. We compare the way we look, the way we dress, where we live, where we work, what we drive… the options to be envious of others are truly endless. But comparison leads to jealousy, and like Mark Twain so wisely said, “Comparison is the death of joy.”
James also discusses just how dangerous the seed of jealousy can be in James Ch. 3:13-16:
“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthy, unspiritual and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
Earthy? Demonic? Disorder and evil of every kind? I want no part of that.
But don’t worry. It gets better. James tells us how to avoid the trap of jealousy by encouraging us to search for Godly wisdom, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (v. 17-18)
The Bible is clear. Jealousy leads to death—but wisdom, from above, leads to life.
I’m praying for you today—for wisdom and strength. For joy when facing trials. For peace, gentleness, and the ability to yield to the desires of others. Praying you and I would always be peacemakers, and that we would reap a harvest of righteousness. Pray with me today…
Dear Lord, show me the areas in my heart where I compare myself to others. Show me where I am jealous. Show me where I am proud. Point out anything in my heart and life that offends You and replace it with your LOVE. Help me to understand just how much You love me—just the way You made me. I pray against jealousy and selfishness. I ask for wisdom from above. Help me to be a peacemaker, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. Help me to show no favoritism and to always be sincere. Amen!
XO-
Sabrina