Today's passage: James 4

I've never seen a definitive explanation of which historical "James" is the author of James, but whoever he was, he had some strong opinions on how people should conduct themselves.  In this short chapter, he covers a large assortment of topics, each of which would be worthy of a sermon or bible study.  To me, throughout the various topics covered, it seems there is a running theme of taming someone's over-inflated sense of self worth and submitting to God.  James' statements such as "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." contrasts rather sharply with the way Jesus often lifted up an audience.  For example in Matthew 10:29-31 Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."  It seems that James has some serious bones to pick, and he isn't hesitant to speak his mind.

While humbling in nature, it seems that the topics of James 4 are directed at a spiritually mature audience.  Many people outside of organized religion tend to think of many within it as judgmental hypocrites.  I think it safe to say that one who publicly espouses a just and moral way of life is not likely to be embraced by society as a whole, and they will be given little leeway in their own moral shortcomings.  Nonetheless, I fear the criticism of Christians as being judgmental and hypocritical does have some basis in the way we sometimes act.  I enjoyed the example from the previous blog entry about the mother in law who said that the daughter-to-be's wedding dress was tacky.  I suspect if one asked her why she said that, she would respond something like, "Well, it was tacky... just ask anyone who was there!"  In what should have been one of the most wonderful days of her son's life she was so compelled to judge that the mother in law had to make a comment that would permanently damage the memory of that day.  When I read the blog, I thought that it's true that we need to learn to bite our tongues.  When I read James 4, I was reminded that biting my tongue falls short of the mark.  As said in James 4: 12, "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?"

Despite His stature, Jesus set an example of a life of humility, unconditional love and servitude.  He actively sought those who society would judge and reject such as prostitutes, tax collectors, and those stricken with contagious disease.  How sad is it that His followers are often thought of as representing judgment and hypocrisy as opposed to love, humility and servitude?  As strong as the words of James 4 are, if we Christians followed them more closely, we would be improved, and perhaps the world's perception of us would change for the better.