I’ve been reading James the past couple of weeks and I’ve got to say it’s kind of kicking my butt. It’s funny, I started reading it about a month ago before going to Greece in early October on a mission trip. My thought was it’s a short book with only 5 chapters, it’s the perfect thing to read while I travel.

Here is the interesting thing about traveling on mission trips and I’ve talked to a few others who share the same struggle. Finding and or making the time to get away and spend even a few quiet moments with Jesus is just plain hard. Excuses are so readily available, you can make yourself believe it’s okay you’re not seeking Jesus while you travel. Needless to say, while I tried reading multiple times, I was never able to find the focus needed to grasp what James was saying. And I’m honest enough to say, I didn’t try all that hard. After returning home, I’d almost decided to scrap the idea of studying James entirely and move on to something different. Two problems, first I had no other ideas or leadings as to what to study and secondly, and most importantly, God wanted me to read James!

To say this book (that I’m not even done reading) has been convicting is an understatement. Particularly chapters 3 and 4. However, before we get too deep it’s important to understand that this book was written by James, the half brother of Jesus. He is writing to Christian believers who have been scattered due to persecution. Put yourself in James’ shoes for a minute-your brother just happens to be the Messiah! Talk about peer pressure! But also, it’s kind of easy to see how pride could sneak in and do quite a bit of damage – because your half brother the Messiah!

Chapter 3, begins with a discussion about how dangerous our tongues are. In verse 8 it says “it (our tongue) is a restless evil, full of deadly poison“. You know what all of us have? A tongue! So taming the tongue is a battle that most every single living human will face. James goes on to say in verse 10 “Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth”. I’ll be the first to raise my hand and say “guilty as charged”! But the verse that really got me for several days is 13 “Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom”. The Message translation reads “Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom”. These simple yet life altering messages hit home hard, providing the perfect set up for chapter 4.

Chapter 4 is all about pride. Pride absolutely sucks! Honestly, it’s a sin I’ve struggled with for years. It’s easy to see how James’ entire letter has been leading up to this point. Once again, I’m going to share the Message translation because it is so honest and convicting. James 4:1-6 “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way. You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

Can I share why this has been so personally convicting to me? I work in a church. I actually am blessed enough to be paid for ministry work. It’s honestly amazing and I have been abundantly blessed by God through this job. But you know what also exists in the church world? Working for ourselves, building ourselves up, so much personal pride- disguised as working for Jesus! The whole “flirting with the world” thing James talks about.  It happens every single day! I’ve seen it 100% in myself and countless others who earnestly love the LORD with their whole hearts – but that sneaky enemy we have is always lingering around, ready to attack. And it only takes a small opening, a compliment or being sought out for help, or a successful program and you know what happens? You guessed pride sneaks in and steals the show. We can talk all day about how God did this or that, which is absolutely true. However, when we/I feel like we have to open our mouths to share the stories -I wonder if we don’t need to pause and ask ourselves “By sharing this, am I bringing glory to God or just bragging on myself and what I’ve done?” Just maybe, we should keep our mouths closed and allow our lives and ministries to be the evidence of God’s working.

I have strived for so many years, in so many ways. Fighting for a seat at the table, trying to get what I thought I deserved. Chasing after the things and people of this world. I’ve had it so wrong! James 1:17 tells us “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”. Any and everything good in life, has come through God. It’s nothing I have done, only what He has done and provided.

This is just my take, something God has revealed in my heart. We absolutely need and are called to share the amazing things God does and how He answers prayers! But I also think it would be wise if we weren’t so quick to toot our own horns and remind ourselves – it was never us, but Jesus working through us. He is the ONLY One who should be getting the glory.