In reviewing James, I want to look at the book differently in this last post. First, we must remember that the message of James is not about our striving to do better, checking off the boxes of righteous living. Instead, James describes Kingdom Living, lives surrendered to God, and living in community.
Notice the plurals!
As I re-read James, I was struck by the fact that much of it is plural; the imperatives were spoken to communities of people. James said, “Y’all count it all joy,” “Y’all be quick to listen, slow to speak,” “Y’all be patient,” and “Y’all pray for one another.”
Rau (2012) says, “Too often, we experience faith and even read the Scripture in a solitary, individualistic way. We rarely think of it in terms of “us” and “our” and frequently see it as “me” and “my.” But we can’t mistake these Western, individualistic values for biblical values. The Bible is clear that living in community with other believers is irreplaceable in the Christian life.”
Wired for community!
We were wired from the beginning for community, created in the image of the Triune God. Three persons in one, living in perfect harmony. “Before all worlds”—before any human community existed—there was God, dwelling in perfect, loving unity in his threefold being.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. … Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
1 Corinthians 12:12, 13, 27 NIV
First Corinthians 12 says that we’re all interconnected just as the parts of our human body are interconnected, so we are in the body of Christ. The “lone ranger” Christian is a myth. We need each other for survival!
Uniquely placed in community!
We’re uniquely placed in our Christian communities – the church where you worship needs you. Our roles are irreplaceable, and our value is immeasurable.
Many of the troubles that arise in community seem to come from our brokenness and insecurity, as James pointed out – our self-indulgence – and so much of this happens because we ultimately think we’re on our own and can survive that way. We can’t. When the body works together, there is enormous power to heal, restore, and renew what was sick and dying.
Community as laboratory!
Thune and Walker (2016) say we are saints when living in isolation! “Our fundamental weaknesses, flaws, and sins are exposed in a community. That’s why community is essential—not optional—for transformation. We can’t become the people God wants us to become outside the community.”
Community is the laboratory where we learn to rely on God’s grace and experience the gospel’s transforming power.
Thune and Walker (2016)
Understanding the value of community helps us celebrate God’s perfect design, His emphasis on the church, and how we support one another.
Together we can participate in the abundant life Scripture describes; apart from each other, we cannot. And it is when we live in community well – loving one another – we illustrate that we are genuinely Jesus’s disciples.
The Bible, James specifically, gives us our orientation to God and the baseline for living in community. It challenges the attitudes of our hearts and reminds us of the wisdom needed to function as the body of Christ.
Summary of James
Let’s look back at just five truths in James, one from each chapter highlighting the significance of community living.
Chapter 1
In James 1:27, we are reminded that true religion accepted by God involves caring for the vulnerable and staying away from worldly contamination. This verse emphasizes the significance of supporting those in need inside and outside the church community.
Chapter 2
James 2:1-13 strongly criticizes the act of favoritism towards the wealthy and influential. He argues that this behavior is unjust and contradicts the teachings of Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the importance of treating everyone with respect, irrespective of their social status.
Chapter 3
James 3:13-18 emphasizes the wise use of our words. He acknowledges that our speech can either uplift or destroy others, encouraging us to use them to build one another up. This verse underscores the value of speaking kindly and offering words of encouragement.
Chapter 4
James 4:11-17 underscores the significance of humility. He advises us to submit to God, resist Satan, and refrain from boasting about ourselves. This verse illustrates the importance of prioritizing others and maintaining humility in relationships.
Chapter 5
James 5:13-20 promotes believers to pray for one another and assist those sick and suffering. He reminds them that the prayer of a righteous person is influential and effective. This verse emphasizes the importance of supporting one another during challenging times.
James is such a rich book for practical daily living, Kingdom expectations, and serving others well.
Prayer
Father, you who are the master of diversity,
The colors, shapes, sizes, distinguishing markings –
The personalities both big and small – your human creation!
You who designed us for community yet graciously
Did not clone us –
Would you create in Your children a spirit of unity
One heart, one mind, one Spirit, one WAY …
May we serve one another well –
Honoring the commandment to love as we love ourselves
Seeking to serve, taking delight in honoring one another –
Considering others more important than ourselves –
So that in every way we point others to You,
Our God and Redeemer! Amen.
References:
Rau, A. (2012, October 11). Living the Bible in Community – Bible Gateway Blog. Bible Gateway Blog. https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2012/08/living-the-bible-in-community/
Thune, R. H., & Walker, W. (2016). The Gospel-Centered Community: Study Guide with Leader’s Notes. New Growth Press.
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