The Book of James: Riches and Partiality

The modern Church would do well to really meditate on the book of James. His words will sound so strange to the ears of the Western Positivist:

“Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.”

James writes forcefully about three key themes: wisdom, meekness, and humility - all expressed through a lifestyle of repentance, restraint, and sacrificial service to all without partiality.

This lifestyle is fueled by the fear of the Lord in obedience to the Sermon on the Mount. One could consider the book of James a practical exposition of the Sermon on the Mount. What should living Jesus’ sermon *look like*?A practical examination and application of the Sermon on the Mount focuses on the central role our speech plays in the quality of our life.

James has much to say about speech and the impact our words have on our emotions, our spirituality, and the world around us.How much is our speech informed by our lust, our envy, or our self-seeking? How much of our conflict and complaint flow from these areas?

James saves his most terrifying language for the rich who measure themselves and find contentment in their riches without the fear of the Lord.The fear of the Lord brings perspective to the things that truly matter, shifting our priorities to things of eternal significance.

According to James, there is great futility in enriching ourselves (rather than advancing the kingdom with our wealth) in the last days:

“You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.”

Wow.

When James admonishes us to bless and honor “without partiality” he is not calling us to favor the poor over the rich, he is asking us to give without regard to what others can give back.

“Pure and undefiled religion” is to bless others with no desire to be blessed in return. We serve because it moves the heart of the Father, whose eye is on us seeking to reward us for our labors. This is faith, according to James.