TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philemon 1:15-25
I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. - Philemon 1:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
A young Russian soldier had fallen into great debt. One night, he considered taking his own life. He fell asleep, revolver in hand, having written at the bottom of the list: “A great debt. Who can pay?” Meanwhile, Czar Nicholas was touring the barracks. Seeing the sleeping soldier, he considered whether or not to punish the man. Instead, he leaned over and signed his own name after the question. The czar had canceled the man’s debt.

This book of the Bible has much to say about debts being owed and accounts being canceled. Several relationships are affected by the repayment of debt: Paul to Philemon and Philemon to Onesimus. In both cases, one man owes a tremendous debt to another.

First, Paul appeals to Philemon’s sense of fairness. He reminds him that Philemon owes him for the return of his runaway slave. But his debt extends beyond this mere favor. He also owes him even more as a brother in the Lord and for his salvation. In fact, Paul says, “You owe me your very self” (v. 19).

By settling accounts, both men will benefit. Paul generously advises Philemon to charge any wrongdoings to his own account, not to Onesimus. He explains in verse 18: “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.” Surely, Paul insists, Philemon can depend upon the Apostle’s word. He is signing this blank check with his “own hand” (v. 19). Paul knew that while Philemon may have doubts about the renegade slave, he should have no doubts about the Apostle who had mentored him. Philemon trusted Paul. He could depend on anything he promised.

Paul looked ahead to his release, calling on Philemon for another favor. He asks his brother in Christ to prepare a room for him. He trusts in God for his release and covets the prayers of fellow Christians. There is great fellowship here between the saints. They send greetings to one another. They encourage and host one another. They are indebted to one another just as they are indebted to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

APPLY THE WORD
With electronic checking, hand-written checks might become a thing of the past. But, imagine for a moment that you have been given a blank check. What might you use it for? What debts would you cancel out? What purchases would you make? In the Gospels, Jesus talks about the great debt that has been settled for us—our sins canceled out by Jesus’ death on the Cross. Give thanks to Him today for your salvation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:1-8
The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. - James 1:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
The biggest wave ever recorded happened off the southern coast of Alaska in 1958. An earthquake shook the area, sending dirt and glacier into the bay. The debris created a massive 1,720-foot wave that washed over the land. Three fishing boats saw the wave. One boat lost two passengers, but amazingly the other two boats rode out the waves, and their occupants lived to tell the story.

Today we begin our study of our final book for this month, the book of James. The author, James, is generally thought to have been the half brother of Jesus. According to many scholars, James did not believe that his brother Jesus was the Savior and Messiah while He was on earth, but after the crucifixion and resurrection, James did believe and became a key leader in the early church. This letter from him is one of the earliest letters in the New Testament. It was addressed to Jewish Christians who had been scattered throughout the nations (v. 1).

Being a Christian in those first days of the church meant encountering strong opposition. James compares these opposing forces to Christianity to “waves” (v. 6). No doubt, early believers had to keep focused on their ultimate goal and not let the opposing voices cause them to be tossed about and waiver in the faith.

James speaks about “trials of many kinds” (v. 2). Instead of beating a hasty retreat from difficult circumstances, he urges a strange emotional response—to “consider it pure joy.” Joy goes far beyond keeping a stiff upper lip during difficult times. Joy calls us to value the way that such trials shape our life and our faith. The reason “why” we are to count it joy comes after the word “because.” He explains that when our faith is tested, it produces perseverance.

A tested faith is a mature faith. He also explains that we have a resource to turn to in times of trouble. We have a God who cares and who gives “generously” to us in times of need (v. 5). We are to endure in times of trouble, counting it all joy, and turning to our God who will supply all our needs.

APPLY THE WORD
What do you consider a trial? Illness? Unemployment? A broken heart? Legal woes? Your answer may vary at different times in your life. Trials come in many forms, but they have a way of overwhelming us and causing us to give up hope. The verse here is worth committing to memory. During our time on earth, we are certain to encounter trials. Having this verse imprinted on your heart can help you respond with joy instead of despair.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:9-12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial. - James 1:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every year, Forbes releases a list of the world’s richest people. In 2011, Carlos Slim Helu from Mexico topped the list, a self-made billionaire who made his fortune in the telecom business. The second is Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft. Gates is no longer the richest man because he gave away nearly $30 billion to charity. Gates has convinced other wealthy individuals to sign a giving pledge to donate the majority of their wealth, either before or following their deaths.

In today’s reading, James frames the discussion about generosity within the context of the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of wealth.

Many in the early church suffered from a distinct lack of material possessions. Part of the trials James speaks of here may have had to do with economic hardship. That message can and should comfort many today. God understands and sees the physical needs of His people. But James also offers wise counsel and urges believers to have a shift of perspective, to have even this part of life taken captive by God.

He reverses the natural order of things saying that the “humble” person should take “pride” (v. 9) in his high position. The “rich” should take pride in their “humiliation” (v. 10). This strange instruction makes more sense as the passage proceeds. James compares wealth to a wildflower that readily blooms and spreads, but its beauty can be quickly scorched and extinguished by the sun. So, too, James suggests is the temporary nature of earthly riches.

This lesson from James echoes the instruction from the Old Testament. Consider the message that Solomon, a wise and wealthy man, communicated in the book of Ecclesiastes about the temporal nature of life. “Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return” (3:19-20).

No matter what the trial, economic or otherwise, James assures us that those who persevere under difficult circumstances are “blessed.” We may not see reward in this lifetime, but we are guaranteed the “crown of life” in eternity (v. 12).

APPLY THE WORD
What is your net worth? If you have been blessed by God with earthly riches, consider how you can use your wealth to make an eternal difference. If you are in need of physical resources, ask God to help you trust in Him to supply your needs and to give you the perseverance to endure during trials. Whether wealthy or impoverished, ask the Lord to give you an eternal perspective on your earthly financial position.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:13-15
God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. - James 1:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every year, many Americans cheat on their income tax. An article by MSNBC.com reports that 16 percent of federal income tax returns were either not filed or reported untruthfully. This discrepancy totals a whopping $290 billion. Why do people cheat? Economist Dan Ariely says many people operate with “moral flexibility.” They have a sliding scale of what they feel is right and wrong. Cheating on taxes is a misdeed that many will overlook or excuse.

James speaks directly to believers about the topic of temptation. Be careful, says James, not to blame our temptations upon God (v. 13). We are tempted to do evil not by God, but by our own evil impulses (v. 14).

Like an unchecked cancer, sin metastasizes into something large and deadly. Even a small indiscretion can lead to a direr problem. “Desire,” here referring to the impulse to engage in evil, can lead to the actual sin or action itself. The consequences, however, do not stop there. If left unchecked, says James, sin can lead to death (v. 15).

James seems to be speaking here of both physical and spiritual death. Many times sin can have physical consequences—consider those sins that lead to endangering our lives or the lives of others. If left to fester and grow, however, all sin will certainly lead to spiritual death or separation from God. Romans 5:12 elaborates on this truth, “Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all have sinned.” This warning reminds us that if we are not captive to Christ and a life of faith, we will be captive to sin and death.

David’s temptation to sin with Bathsheba resulted in action, and God’s chosen king became involved with a married woman (see 2 Samuel 11). As we know, the result of his sin was not just harm to himself and his relationship with God, but also resulted in the physical death of Bathsheba’s husband and their young child.

We must also accept responsibility for our own actions and not blame our evil intent on God or on others.

APPLY THE WORD
What tempts you? Consider a way you have been tempted to act or think that would not be honoring to God. What steps can you take to avoid that type of temptation? When you do face that temptation again, how can you resist? God does not promise to spare us from all temptation, but He does promise to make a way for us to escape (1 Cor. 10:13). Pray that God will give you strength to resist this temptation and make specific plans today to avoid its path.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:16-18
Every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. - James 1:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many tourists go to Alaska to glimpse the fluorescent ribbons of light that illuminate the dark night sky, but the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is difficult to see these days. Scientists say that we are in a low activity period, and the beautiful light display is hard to spot. The Northern Lights are actually caused by solar winds 50 to 200 miles above the Earth that hit molecules of gas, lighting them up like neon. What appear to be beautiful lights are actually cosmic explosions.

In today’s passage, James refers to our God as the Father of the heavenly lights. God is the Creator of light itself—He separated darkness from the light (Gen. 1:3). He is also the creator of spiritual light. Scripture tells us that God “is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).

In this passage of James, these words about the character of God directly follow the leader’s warning about temptation and sin. Here, he advises believers not to be “deceived” (v. 16). While Satan is known as the father of darkness and deception, we serve a God of light and truth. While we are told not to attribute temptation to God, we are also reminded to attribute each “good and perfect gift” to our Creator.

These reminders are directly linked to the character of God. Within these verses, James develops a theology (or study of God) for the early church. He provides some solid and foundational truths here about God. God loves us. God does not tempt us with evil. God give us good gifts. God does not shift or change, nor does He deceive us (v. 17).

It is important to distinguish the truth about God from the lies many create to explain human behavior. God does not “change like shifting shadows” (v. 17). We are born with a divine purpose (v. 18). We are the firstfruits—or the finest example—of His divine creation.

Firstfruits are offered to God as the very best sacrifice (Rev. 14:4). We not only receive gifts from our heavenly Father, but are called to be firstfruits in return.

APPLY THE WORD
What gifts have you been given? So often we tend to focus on what we do not have. Today, we should focus on what we have been given by God. Try to jot down a list of the gifts God has blessed you with, both spiritual and physical. Or, as a family activity, go around the dinner table and name one of these divine gifts. These gifts show the divine nature of God who cares deeply about you, His divine creation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:19-24
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. - James 1:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, a beautiful but wicked queen possessed a magical mirror. Every evening she looked into her mirror and asked: “Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who in the land is the fairest of all?” The mirror faithfully replied, “You, my queen, are the fairest.” All was well until one day the mirror gave a different answer and named Snow White. The queen was outraged, and her beauty was transformed into ugliness as she sought to eliminate her rival.

This passage in James asks us as followers of Christ to hold up a mirror to our lives, to see if our reflections correctly bear the image of our Savior. Based on what we know about the character of God from our study so far, we are given specific instructions to begin to mold our character into His likeness. As we begin to bear the reflection of Christ, our lives will show that we are truly taken captive by Him.

We are told to be good listeners, careful talkers, and slow to become angry (v. 19). These disciplines mark the ways we interact with others. The special injunction about anger should alert us that this is a characteristic that is especially displeasing to God.

We are also to get rid of all “moral filth” (v. 21). But James is careful to note that these changes are not to be undertaken alone. This is not a self-help effort, but one that relies directly upon God and His Word. God does not make demands on us without also making provision for us.

God’s Word should be our mirror. As we delve into His Word, our own reflection will begin to reflect His (v. 25). We are to be doers of the Word and not just hearers. The study of Scripture is more than an intellectual exercise. It should shape our thinking and our actions. We are to live out what we believe.

James says a man who does not do what God’s Word says is like the person who looks into a mirror, sees his reflection, and then immediately forgets what he looks like (v. 24). Instead, we are to look intently at God’s “perfect law,” which brings us freedom (v. 25).

APPLY THE WORD
How many times each day do you look into a mirror? We look at our mirrors to check our appearance, to brush our hair or our teeth, to see if we’ve lost or gained a few pounds. Remember that God’s Word is compared to our moral mirror. It is by staring intently into the mirror of God’s Word that our lives will truly be changed. Make it your goal to spend at least one time each day looking into this most important mirror.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:25-27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this. - James 1:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
Actor and film producer Mel Gibson made public headlines during a drunk driving arrest in July 2006. In addition to other inappropriate remarks, he unleashed an anti-Semitic tirade, confirming for some people what they had suspected about his personal beliefs and prejudice. Gibson later issued many apologies for what he called his “despicable behavior,” but his remarks were not soon forgotten. The words that slipped so easily from his tongue were not so easily taken back.

James has plenty to say about the dangers of our tongue. Chapter 3 will expound further upon the tremendous power of this tiny part of our body, power that is both positive and negative. Our reading today begins to introduce this discussion. For believers, the tongue can provide an external clue to whether or not our internal beliefs about Christ have taken hold of our lives. The tongue can reveal whether we are truly captive in word and deed to life of faith.

James issues a stern warning about the consequences of a loose or unbridled tongue (v. 26). A person who says whatever he wants without regard to the effect of those words demonstrates that his religion is “worthless” or ineffective. Note that this repeats a theme that we saw earlier this month in the two letters from Paul. Our life of faith should make a difference, both in our lives and in the world around us. How we speak reveals whether we are effective ambassadors for the truth of the gospel.

Even someone who is truly committed to the Lord can damage his testimony with an uncontrolled tongue. Harsh or critical or sarcastic words can have a lasting and negative effect on our reputation, and on the witness of the power of faith in Jesus Christ.

James contrasts this warning with an example of what God considers “pure and faultless” religion (v. 27). He gives two examples: helping widows and orphans (or those who find it difficult to provide for themselves) and to keep oneself separate from the sinful nature of the world. Both are examples of a true inward commitment to Christ and His Word.

APPLY THE WORD
Sins of the tongue can easily creep into our everyday habits. They seem so harmless! What’s so bad about a little gossip, sarcasm, or crude joking? Why bother over the put-down, the snide comment, or the complaining? But these can tarnish our Christian testimony, and they reveal that we still need the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Pray today for the Lord to show you any sins of the tongue in your life, and then meditate on Philippians 4:8 to change your speech habits.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 2:1-8
Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith? -  James 2:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
The television show Secret Millionaire sent wealthy Americans into some of the nation’s most impoverished neighborhoods. One millionaire spent a week in Los Angeles’s Skid Row. He was horrified at the dirt and drugs. But he also met people working among the poor. One store owner set up a free “shop” to clothe the homeless. When he removed his own shoes and gave them to a homeless man, his generous action made the millionaire weep.

In our passage today, James calls us to act on behalf of the poor and to call our favoritism into check (v. 1). Why do we pay more attention to the rich than to the poor? Why do we, believers in Christ, allow ourselves to be influenced by people with money or by fame or other values the world holds in high regard? Aren’t our values supposed to be different?

This scenario could take place in contemporary society. A wealthy man comes into a meeting dressed in his finest suit. Would we give such a person the very best table? What about a poor person who enters in dirty clothing? Would we turn him away or avoid him? Our reactions to welcome one and shun another are exposed. Just as Jesus declared in the Sermon on the Mount, in God’s kingdom these values are reversed. The poor will be esteemed. The humble will be exalted.

Notice the focus on the words “rich” and “poor.” While we can interpret these as indicators of our earthly financial status, Scripture also directs us to interpret these in terms of our spiritual status. Are we “rich” through an eternal lens? Regardless of the size of our bank account, do we have treasure in heaven? Are we “poor” in terms of our spirit? Do we properly view ourselves as the creatures and God as the Creator? These labels of wealth are transformed by Christ’s emphasis on seeing life through an eternal lens.

The passage ends with a restatement of what Jesus called the second greatest commandment: “love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 8; cf. Lev. 19:18). Worldly wealth should not determine how people are treated in the family of God.

APPLY THE WORD
How can you help the poor? Most areas have food pantries and soup kitchens that need volunteers. Often rescue missions offer school supplies and clothing for at-risk children. Some job skills courses need people who are willing to teach computer or literacy skills. Others may not have access to transportation to go to church. Consider one practical way you can share your time or money with someone else, in the name of loving your neighbor.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 2:9-13
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. - James 2:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
When a 75-year-old woman was digging in the ground, she made an enormous mistake. She was looking for copper in the country of Georgia, and as she was digging, her shovel pushed through and broke an underground cable. With that one small action, she took out Internet service to the entire country of Armenia. She now faced jail time for the costly and destructive consequences of her action.

It is hard to make just a little mistake. James reinforces this idea to the early Christians. Many had been raised to live within the guidelines of the Mosaic Law. Redemption in Christ brought new freedom, so did that make the Law irrelevant? We might ask the same question today. But, James answers a firm “no.” Verse 10 is clear: “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”

A key part of the gospel message is that no sin is insignificant: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). A little sin makes you just as guilty as a bigger sin. We might be tempted to argue: How can cheating on my spouse be as bad as murder? But James notes that no sin gives us an exemption from the penalty and consequence (v. 11). The point is not to compare our sins with sins that look worse. The point is to compare our sins with God’s commands. Any sin will fail that test.

Although Christ has graciously granted us forgiveness and freedom, James notes that God’s commandments still provide instruction for how to live (v. 12). When we realize the grace that we have received in order to have a relationship with God and live in a way that pleases Him, we should extend mercy and not judgment toward others (v. 13). This doesn’t mean that we excuse their sin any more than our own sins are excused. We should, however, remember that acting like God acts means offering mercy to those who don’t deserve it. We have been shown the ultimate act of mercy in the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Although we are guilty, we have been granted forgiveness.

APPLY THE WORD
One area of our prayer life that often gets overlooked is confession. If your life is taken captive by God, you will learn to recognize and ask forgiveness for your sins. Spend a bit of time in confession. Pray through Psalm 51, asking the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any sin harbored there that you need to confess. Rejoice in 1 John 1:9, that God has promised forgiveness and purification for those who confess.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 2:14-17
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. - James 2:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1964, a young woman was stabbed outside her New York City home. When Kitty Genovese cried for help, reporters said at least several neighbors heard the noise. At least one shouted to her attacker, but no one actually came to help. Her story became an example of the lack of action by bystanders. Psychologists have studied the instances of those who see the responsibility to help as someone else’s problem. They call this the Genovese or “bystander’s effect”: where many people see a problem and very few, if any, take action.

In today’s passage, James identifies this same attitude among early believers. They were good at declaring their faith, but often slow to let it manifest in their daily actions and responsibilities to those around them.

As a part of the Jewish faith, believers distinguished themselves by their ability to keep the Law and to do good deeds. These works were seen as an important part of their religious status. So, followers of Christ might have been tempted to swing the pendulum in the opposite direction—to put a heavy emphasis on faith alone and to neglect their Christian duties.

What good is your faith if you claim to believe, but do nothing to demonstrate those convictions (v. 14)? Is this an example of saving faith? The same could be said about an extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, without any life-changing result. Too much knowledge for its own sake, without demonstrable action, is a bad thing. Knowledge of Christ and His Word should be life-changing.

James gives a concrete example. Suppose you knew about someone in need, but did nothing to help that person (vv. 15-16). What if you walked by without stopping to give assistance, much like the first passersby in Jesus’ story about the Good Samaritan? Would that be a demonstration of faith? Of course not! In fact, James pronounces such faith as “dead.” James urges believers not to be mere bystanders, but to be actively involved in the living faith of Jesus Christ, taken captive by His truth and letting it change the way we act.

APPLY THE WORD
We might feel overwhelmed by all the needs in the world. We can’t do everything, but we can do something. Perhaps you could sponsor a child through Compassion International, or you could treat your grouchy neighbor with kindness instead of scorn. You could volunteer for a church mission trip, or be gracious to someone who asks for a handout. If we have faith, James calls us to act like it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 2:18-26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. - James 2:26
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2007, a Polish man named Jan Grzebski awoke after being in a coma for nearly twenty years. Doctors had identified a brain tumor as the cause of his coma; as he aged, the tumor shrunk and he regained consciousness. Grzebski credits his wife, Gertrude, who prayed for him. When he fell “asleep” he had four children. When he awoke, he had eleven grandchildren. In addition, Poland no longer had a Communist government. He had missed many important events while unconscious.

It’s important for us to understand the relationship between faith and works in Scripture. Which is more important? At the close of chapter 2, James answers emphatically: both are important! Works “complete” our faith—they show that it is awake and alive. Faith and actions work “together” (v. 22). They are not in competition; they are both necessary in the Christian life.

James uses two examples from the Old Testament to illustrate the way that faith and belief lead to action. In fact, these actions were both dramatic and counterintuitive; they proved that these individuals had deep belief in God’s promises. What a contrasting pair of people! Abraham was the father of God’s people; and Rahab was a harlot from Jericho.

Abraham is identified because of the sacrifice of his son Isaac. He believed and acted, in what may seem like an outrageous act, to offer his only son to God. God honored that type of radical belief. It is given to us here as an example of “righteousness” (v. 23).

Rahab, at great risk to her own safety, harbored spies (v. 25). In Joshua 2, you can read the story of her daring act. Her bravery is recounted again in Hebrews 11:31, among other great examples of faith.

Christians sometimes wrestle with this relationship between faith and works, worried some might claim to achieve faith through their good works. But James doesn’t allow that reasoning. Verse 26 declares that vibrant, living faith in God will lead to dramatic works of obedience. These confirm the truth of our claims to believe in God.

APPLY THE WORD
Feel your pulse. That pounding on your wrist is indicative of life surging through your veins. Take a deep breath. Realize that you are fully and truly alive. Now, consider your “faith” pulse. What indicators do you have that show that your faith is alive and vital? How will others know that the Holy Spirit is indwelling you? Make it your prayer today to have a faith that exhibits itself in your daily life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 3:1-4
We all stumble in many ways. - James 3:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Bits have been used for thousands of years to guide the direction of horses and to make them easier to control. A bit is inserted into the mouth of a horse and is designed to work by causing pressure, not pain. If a bit is used incorrectly by the rider, even the mildest force can hurt the horse. With a trained rider, however, a strong bit can give clear signals while exerting no pain at all.

As believers, the controller of our “bit” is the Holy Spirit. As James discusses the problem of sin in our lives, he examines our struggle for perfection. The first warning is that “few” should be teachers. To be a teacher or example to others should not be taken lightly. James assures those who set themselves up in leadership roles that they will be judged “more strictly” (v. 1).

If that stern warning is a bit intimidating, the chapter continues to insist that we all struggle or “stumble” in regards to sin. If we did not struggle, we would be “perfect” (v. 2)—and no one can make that claim. We have all sinned (Rom. 3:23).

Two examples of how to combat sin follow. One is that of a horse, as noted above. The other is a ship. The horse is controlled by a bit (v. 3), which is inserted into the horse’s mouth. The pressure from the bit controls the head and direction of the horse. By controlling even the smallest part of the horse, the whole body will follow. In the same way, the rudder of a ship controls the direction of the whole vessel (v. 4).

These examples are placed in between the passages that examine how we use our tongues. The problem of sin includes what we say. Even if we have tremendous self-control over our actions, our speech will reveal the places in our heart that remain proud, wayward, or ungodly. The small matter of our tongue can derail our entire being from obedience to transgression in an instant (v. 2).

APPLY THE WORD
Weighing our words is an important step in our Christian growth. We should be slow to speak, as James mentioned earlier. Problems often begin when we react out of anger or self-defense. Pray that the Holy Spirit will act in your life today. Pray that God will control and guide your words and your actions so that they can more accurately reflect a life held captive by Him. Pray that your heart will be open to His leading.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 3:5-12
No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. - James 3:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Some strange, wild pets have lived in the White House. John Quincy Adams reportedly kept an alligator in the bathroom. Martin Van Buren was given two tiger cubs that he later donated to a zoo. Calvin Coolidge had so many wild pets, including a wallaby, that he considered opening a presidential zoo. It is said that his wife, Grace, used to walk two raccoons on leashes on the White House lawn. But most people would agree that some animals are just not meant to be tamed.

In this portion of the letter, James focuses once again on the dangers of that “untamable” beast—the tongue. He has already reminded us that controlling a very small portion of the human anatomy can influence the entire person. Here, he takes this warning even further.

James contrasts the small physical dimensions of the tongue with its power to make “great boasts” (v. 5). Three stern consequences of uncontrolled speech follow: 1) It can corrupt the “whole person”; 2) It can influence the course of your life; 3) It is directly influenced by Satan’s power (v. 6). Stern warnings indeed.

The untamable tongue is compared to animals that might be considered “wild” by some. While many animals have for some time been tamed by humans, the tongue seems to refuse to be controlled. Again, it is considered “evil” and “deadly” (v. 8).

Why does James consider this worthy of such focus? Perhaps it is the double-sided ability of the tongue, as noted in verse 9. This inconsistency or waffling can mark instability of faith. How can we both praise God and curse Him Shouldn’t our speech reflect what is in our hearts? This type of behavior in believers compromises our witness before others. Consider the shock of someone drinking fresh water from a fountain only to receive ill-tasting water from the same spigot a moment later. A believer who speaks both truth and corruption is much the same. Our hearts, and also our speech, must be consistent producers of truth.

APPLY THE WORD
Spend time today using your tongue to praise the Lord. Thank Him for what He’s done in your life, and share this testimony with others. Praise Him for who He is: you can sing a hymn like “Holy, Holy, Holy” or recite Psalm 150 aloud. Pray to Him and acknowledge your trust in His faithfulness. As we use our tongues to praise Him, we are orienting our entire being to giving Him glory.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 3:13-18
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. - James 3:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
William James Sidis was born in 1898 with an IQ of 250. He could read by the age of 2 and was composing original works in French by age 4. At age 12, he entered Harvard University in a program for gifted students. However, Sidis lived the remainder of his life quietly in a series of obscure mechanical jobs. Newspapers reported that the boy genius “did not want to think.” Some say Sidis’s retreat from public attention was intentional—he wanted to live a normal life.

James begins this section by asking a rhetorical question: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” (v. 13). The passage goes on to expound on this challenging question, for who among us would go so far as to label themselves as a “genius” like Sidis or “wise” according to James?

It is important to note, though, that James is distinguishing between two different types of wisdom: earthly and heavenly. Earthly wisdom is often associated with qualities like mental ability. In Scripture, the “wise” (from the Greek word sophia) were often teachers.

Intellectual ability, in and of itself, is of course not inherently evil. But relying on our own intelligence, uninformed by God, can lead to “selfish ambition” and “bitter envy” (v. 14). James warns that such so-called “wisdom” is not from God, but rather is earthly and unspiritual (v. 15).

Heavenly wisdom distinguishes itself by a discretion and sensitivity that comes from God. It is distinguished by a life well lived. It has an attitude of humility (v. 13). Such wise people will surely know how to control their tongue (as noted earlier in this chapter). They will not boast (v. 14).

A host of positive qualities follow true heavenly wisdom. It is pure. The word pure here denotes purity of heart and intent. It arises from the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. True wisdom loves peace. It is “considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (v. 17). This wisdom does not require a high IQ or a great SAT score. It comes from a rebirth of our hearts and spirit to a life truly taken captive by God.

APPLY THE WORD
It is easy to turn to “smart” friends to solve problems or to rely on our own know-how. We have a tendency to solve our problems on our own. Today’s passage encourages us to turn to the only source of true wisdom: God. On this day of Thanksgiving, pray to the God of all wisdom. Thank Him for His heavenly wisdom that seeks truth and promotes peace. Thank Him for His help in all times of need.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 4:1-6
Don’t you know that friendship with the world is enmity against God? - James 4:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
A church gathering turned ugly in Lanham, Maryland, sending four parishioners to the hospital. About 300 people were attending a church crab bake, when about a dozen people began to fight. The argument turned physical and police officers were called. Four people suffered stab wounds, with one in critical condition. Reports said, “Police do not know what caused the fight to break out.”

Today’s passage begins with a question: “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” (v. 1). While fights, even in modern-day churches, are not always as physical, they can be just as ugly.

The quarrels and fights are outward signs of an internal heart problem. James points to the cause of our inner “desires” (v. 1). He describes a series of specific actions: you want something; you covet what someone else has; you quarrel and fight; you do not ask God (v. 3).

The last item is different. It is not describing an activity that we do, but what we do not do—or even what we do incorrectly. We ask God with the wrong motives (v. 3). Here is the internal problem. Rather than our lives and hearts being taken captive by God, we are becoming friends with the “world” (v. 4). This, James warns, is adultery.

A “friendship” with the world is not the same as living in and among the world. It also doesn’t imply that we should not have friends who are unbelievers. Jesus Himself walked among sinful people. But Jesus also prayed that the world would not gain too great an influence on believers: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it” (John 17:16).

If we are truly friends with the world, we are embracing values and habits that oppose our Savior. We are nurturing an affinity for practices and priorities that are not consistent with a life of obedience to the will of God. We are called to be a friend of God, a relationship far more valuable than anything the world can offer. Too much “friendship” with the world will lead to destructive behavior.

APPLY THE WORD
Do you have lingering grudges or arguments that need to be resolved? Are you involved in an actual disagreement with another believer? Have you allowed these areas of your life to truly be taken “captive” by the Holy Spirit? Pray today that God will soften your heart and allow healing and forgiveness to take place, even when emotions are involved. Ask God to make you a peacemaker and not a fighter, so that you will have a testimony to the power of His forgiveness.