Listen to Their Complaints

Listen to Their Complaints

James 5: And now, you rich people, listen to me! Weep and wail over the miseries that are coming upon you! ² Your riches have rotted away, and your clothes have been eaten by moths. ³ Your gold and silver are covered with rust, and this rust will be a witness against you and will eat up your flesh like fire. You have piled up riches in these last days. ⁴ You have not paid any wages to those who work in your fields. Listen to their complaints! The cries of those who gather in your crops have reached the ears of God, the Lord Almighty. ⁵ Your life here on earth has been full of luxury and pleasure. You have made yourselves fat for the day of slaughter. ⁶ You have condemned and murdered innocent people, and they do not resist you.

 

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Something wasn’t right with the advice from one of the leaders. “Maybe we can get some free labor” was the statement that was given to me as if to say, keep going with the terrible negotiation.

 

• I was put in a bad spot of having to negotiate something that was not fair.
• I was working with a group who did not mind using people unfairly.
• I was part of problem, because that was my job.

 

James gives a stern warning to the rich. He is really descriptive of the rich and paints a picture of them in a not so good way. He says misery is coming to the rich, but then he provides a solution. “Listen.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to listen to those who work for me and to pay them their wages.
• GOS does not like when people are being taken advantage of, so HE will repay.
• GOD hears the cry of those who are being used and abused and is storing up HIS anger against anyone who caused their anguish.

 

Yes GOD is forgiving, but HE seems to have a soft spot for those who are in need. Unfortunately, there have been those who have misused other humans for their own personal gain. HE hears the cries of those who are used and abused and withholds HIS anger. This is a very scary thing.

 

I mean, instead of squashing the abusers like a bug, GOD allows the misuse to occur. HE did the same for JESUS. The church people abused and murdered HIM. GOD allowed this and JESUS was raised from the dead. One day HE will return and all will have to give an account for how we treated people. I am glad GOD forgives and gives me a way back to HIM, namely, listen.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning from the writer?
• Have you ever wanted to be rich so badly that you would consider harming someone, even in the smallest way?
• Will you listen to the complaints of those who are being abused and turn to GOD for HIS answer today?

Business Plans

Business Plans

James 4: ¹³ Now listen to me, you that say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money.” ¹⁴ You don't even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. ¹⁵ What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ But now you are proud, and you boast; all such boasting is wrong.

 

¹⁷ So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin.

 

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After the promotion, my sites were set on the top spot. I could see myself running the entire “world” at this particular company. When the top person got wind of my promotion, I had more of a fight than I planned for. I lost the battle.

 

• I did not get what I planned.
• I did not reach what I thought I should reach.
• I did not know GOD had something better in store for me.

 

James spoke specifically to those who were boasting about their plans. Business people were probably using statements of expansion and greenfield markets. He warned them to use the correct words when making plans.

 

My Observations:

• My plans are weak unless GOD says “Yes.”
• Anything I think I will do has to be blessed by GOD “allowing” it to happen.
• GOD’s plans will always happen so I have to align to HIS will.

 

Making plans for the future is necessary for business people. I mean, fiscal projections and future orders help businesses run smoothly to provide great service. All projections and future plans need to be put under GOD by saying these words “If it is HIS will.”

 

This means I, as a business person, knows that anything can happen and it is GOD who has control. When I add the “anything can happen” factor to my plans, I am more ready for circumstances that may arise. I may even live my life differently, knowing JESUS could return at a moment’s notice. I gladly give my plans to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer say “Do not make plans” or “make plans, aligning them to GOD’s will?”
• Have you ever made a plan and something totally unexpected happened to cancel those plans?
• Will you align to GOD’s will, knowing plans can change, and praise HIM for every moment HE allows you to do HIS will?

What About Them?

What About Them?

James 4: ¹¹ Do not criticize one another, my friends. If you criticize or judge another Christian, you criticize and judge the Law. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. ¹² God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else?

 

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Speeding along in a friend’s car, it felt great to be behind the wheel of something that could really go fast! We were racing each other on the road when suddenly we cam upon several cops who were waiting for us. We were all pulled over. When one of the cops came to my car, I said in my defense, “What about them?” referring to the other speeders who were not pulled over. The reply, “But I caught you.”

 

• I was trying to use comparison as my defense.
• I thought I could use “judging someone else” to defend my breaking the law.
• I also thought I could do what I wanted to do.

 

James addressed judging other Christians. He specifically spoke to this group, probably due to them gathering together in small groups after being scattered by those who persecuted them. They may have begun to judge one another.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to look at myself instead of pointing out what other people are doing.
• GOD wants me to realize I have flaws that I need repaired by HIM.
• GOD wants me to let go of trying to change people who are not willing to change themselves.

 

Being critical of other people can be a defense mechanism for my own shortcomings. I mean, when I look at someone else and talk about him or her negatively, I am taking the lens off of me. BUT GOD sees my shortcomings clearly and wants me to see them too.

 

HE wants me to back off of looking at someone else and to ask HIM for forgiveness for my clear and blatant sins. HE is willing to forgive me and wants me to grow up to do the same. I am glad HE is the ultimate forgiver.

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer’s warning important?
• Have you ever been critical of someone and been guilty yourself?
• Will you take some time away from being critical and spend it asking GOD to continue to grow you in areas HE would like to grow you today?

Change

Change

James 4: ⁷ So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. ⁸ Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! ⁹ Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

 

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Realizing that my life was not in a good place, I decided to try GOD as a last resort. I stopped doing the same things “everyone” was telling me to do for “fun” and focus on doing things differently. But it seemed hard because “everywhere” I turned, there were invitations to do the old stuff.

 

• I was trying to start living for GOD, but had the same old habits.
• I was trying to do things that would please GOD, but I had the same old ideas.
• I was trying to fit in with the world and fit in with GOD and it wasn’t working.

 

James provides the solution to the problem of being double-minded. He points to the path of GOD then says “change.” The things that used to be “fun” may not be as fun after all.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s path is not as hard as I think, but it is hard when I am far from it.
• GOD is willing to come near to me when I take steps towards HIS path.
• GOD wants me to change my view of “fun” so I can enjoy life but do it HIS way.

 

Pleasure is not the problem, the definition of what pleasure is can be. I mean, GOD defined a framework for me to choose how to live. I can be free to live as I please within HIS framework. But when I choose to go outside of what GOD defined, I get in trouble.

 

GOD knows I have an enemy that will make me challenge HIS very existence. I will then question everything that HE stands for and make up my own labels for HIM or even ignore HIS existence. I will then create my own definition of “fun” that does not include HIM and put myself and others in harm’s way. GOD wants me to “change” for HIS purpose. I am glad HE comes near to me when I come near to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer so passionate about change?
• Have you ever gotten into a situation where you are resisting GOD so you can have “fun?”
• Will you assess your life so you can “change” for the good of GOD today?

Humble Friendship

 

Humble Friendship

James 4: Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from? They come from your desires for pleasure, which are constantly fighting within you. ² You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you strongly desire things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it. ³ And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures. ⁴ Unfaithful people! Don't you know that to be the world's friend means to be God's enemy? If you want to be the world's friend, you make yourself God's enemy. ⁵ Don't think that there is no truth in the scripture that says, “The spirit that God placed in us is filled with fierce desires.”^[a] 6 But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

 

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Frustrated because it seemed like “everyone” else was getting paid but me, left me complaining about what I did not have. I had just started going back to church and I heard the preacher say “name it and claim it.” In other words say what I want and I will get it. But when I didn’t get it, I got mad.

 

• I was mad at GOD because I did not get what I wanted.
• I thought GOD was supposed to give me what I wanted.
• I thought that I “deserved” better than what I already had.

 

James addressed selfishness by illustrating two friendship types. One friendship is with the world, the other is with GOD. He exposes the root of quarrels and fights, namely friendship with the world. He points out the fact that wrong motive causes a lack in receiving from GOD.

 

My Observations:

• The more I become friends with the world, the more I fight over its pleasures.
• GOD resists my pride, but loves when I humble myself before HIM.
• GOD’s desires are fierce and cannot be quenched by the selfishness of obtaining the world.

 

“What is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul?” is a deep, convicting question. I mean, insatiable desires that cannot be quenched or controlled causes me to think of GOD in the wrong way. I may think “I” deserve better when GOD has already provided so much for me.

 

HE loves when I can say “Thank YOU for what YOU have given to me, I have more than enough.” This keeps my insatiable appetite down to a minimum and my hatred for other people who may be “in the way of getting mine” diminishes. I am glad GOD is willing to give me grace when I humble myself.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about fights and quarrels?
• Have you ever wanted something and did not get it, so you cried or got mad at another person?
• Do you have a problem with wanting more and more to the point that GOD is no longer the answer?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to HIS true grace so HE can guide you to the things HE wants you to have today?

Wisdom Choice

Wisdom Choice

James 3: ¹³ Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom. ¹⁴ But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don't sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom. ¹⁵ Such wisdom does not come down from heaven; it belongs to the world, it is unspiritual and demonic. ¹⁶ Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And goodness is the harvest that is produced from the seeds the peacemakers plant in peace.

 

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After being on academic probation, I decided to stop partying for a while and study. I got on the dean’s list that semester, so I felt pretty good about “my” achievement. I could not share the achievement with some people because I was still bitter over what happened.

 

• I made a choice to keep bitterness in my heart.
• I chose to remain wounded instead of trying to heal.
• As “smart” as people told me I was, I still did not have life together.

 

James addressed two types of wisdom. One came from the world and the other from above. He describes the wisdom of the world as unspiritual and demonic due to the lack of good deeds and peace.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s wisdom produces good deeds through me.
• GOD’s wisdom enables me to have peace that is beyond understanding.
• GOD’s wisdom is friendly, gentle and free from prejudice, so HE wants me to choose HIS way.

 

Removing GOD from anything is not wise. I mean, GOD is the creator of everything. HE made the people, places and things we study and hypothesize about. When I come up with a conclusion that GOD does not have anything to do with what I am observing, or I think human wisdom is greater than GOD, I get in deep trouble. GOD has an better path.

 

GOD desires that I choose to be gentle, compassionate and friendly so I can produce good deeds for HIM. The less I give credit to the world, the more GOD shows me HIS infinite wisdom. I am glad GOD produces the harvest, which is full of goodness.

 

Challenge

• What two types of wisdom does the writer discuss?
• Have you ever been jealous, bitter or selfish?
• Will you seek GOD’s wisdom by letting go of yours to obtain HIS today?

Either One or the Other

Either One or the Other

James 3: Just think how large a forest can be set on fire by a tiny flame! ⁶ And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself. ⁷ We humans are able to tame and have tamed all other creatures—wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish. ⁸ But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. ⁹ We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. ¹⁰ Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My friends, this should not happen! ¹¹ No spring of water pours out sweet water and bitter water from the same opening. ¹² A fig tree, my friends, cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs, nor can a salty spring produce sweet water.

 

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Laughter was my attraction as I approached the crowd. Jokes about a particular teacher made us giggle. They teasingly added my name with the association of this teacher. I quickly disassociated myself from the teacher in front of everyone. Little did I know, the teacher was coming down the stairs and heard my words.

 

• I was trying to be a good in front of the teacher and side with the mean crowd.
• I was trying to side with both sides.
• I was trying to fit in all over the place.

 

James addressed double-mindedness in a different way. He talked about the “tongue” being tiny, yet very powerful. The words spoken can be full of hate or love.  He then explains how words affect who we are.

 

My Observations:

• My words need to be tamed so I can speak about JESUS without sounding hypocritical.
• My words need to turn into actions so they should not be filled with hate or slander.
• My words need to be gentle so I can be consistent in my actions.

 

Poisonous words are dangers to speak. I mean, joining in with the crowd may seem like a good idea, but when it includes talking about someone in a negative way, I become susceptible to adding poison to my own heart without knowing it. This poison seems innocent, because “everyone else” is doing it. BUT GOD wants better.

 

HE desires that I tame my tongue so it is not wild and full of venom. HE sees my thoughts and gives me a choice. Either choose poison or “sweet water.” In other words, choose GOD or choose the world. I am glad GOD can help me with my words so my heart can be healed.

 

Challenge

• What comparisons does the writer use?
• Have you ever said something that seemed like an innocent comment about someone, but was a negative joke?
• Will you ask GOD to help tame your tongue so you can present GOD to others in a loving, peaceful way today?