REFLECTIONS FROM THE EPISTLE OF JAMES

A No-Nonsense Faith
James 1:19-2:26

Introduction
No-nonsense means practical and serious, and only interested in doing what is necessary or achieving what is intended, without silly ideas or methods. (Cambridge)

The Bible demands a direct application of what it says. James is demanding the same no-nonsense conversion of our faith into good works.

I. A No-Nonsense Faith will Keep Us Away from Discord (1:19-27)
James opens this section with an exhortation to “be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” It will be a very frustrating scenario for these Jewish Christians to be in discord while suffering from various trials and temptation and living in a foreign land. Instead of falling into the trap of rebellion and disagreement, they were exhorted to just do what God’s Word says. A quick response to God’s word will keep them away from discord.
The marks of a genuine faith (religion) are first, a controlled tongue. One must be in good command of his tongue. I was watching a talk show few days ago and there was this famous actress who uttered kind words on TV yet at the end of the interview she blurted out a crisp, short sentence that marred her previous statements.
Next is an intentional ministry for the poor. Caring for the poor is also an important mark of a genuine faith. Churches should see to it that the poor is well-taken care of. We should do something to alleviate their living. Another mark of a genuine faith is a corruption-free lifestyle. The pattern of this world (as the apostle Paul puts in Romans 12: 2) is not in accordance with God’s pattern of living. We can enjoy the things that the world offers without compromising our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In whatever we do everyday let us see to it that we are not staining our life with the corruption of this world.
If we are occupied by these actions, there will be no time for discord.

II. A No-Nonsense Faith Keeps Us Away from Favoritism (2:1-13)
One of the causes of favoritism is comparison. Dave Grant in his book “you’ve Got What It Takes” (1978) said that feelings of inferiority can result when you constantly compare yourself to others.” When you compare a person to another person, you are actually saying that one is inferior to the other. This kind of practice is inconsistent with the Christina faith. And as such, you are committing a sin.
Instead of showing favoritism, one should see to it that God’s love is applied to every particular situation in life. James’ readers were somewhat made to believe that some lapses from the rich is tolerable. They failed to apply what Jesus taught in the Gospel about loving their neighbors. God does not show favoritism.
As a church we must see to it that God’s love is felt by every sector of society – rich or poor. A very important reminder was given to us: God will judge us based on whether or not we have dispensed mercy to those who deserve it. If we are merciful here now, God will also be merciful to us in the coming Day of Judgment. In view of this fact, let us take every opportunity to show mercy to people regardless of their status in the society.

III. A No-Nonsense Faith Enables Us to Put Our Words Into Action (2:14-26)
Now that we are saved, we need to prove it by our good works. While Paul is saying that one cannot be saved by good works, James is saying that salvation produces good works. James used the examples of Abraham and Rahab. Both of them acted on their faith. Faith results to actions appropriate to such a declaration of faith. If it lacks good works then, that faith is nonsense. It cannot accomplish anything.
Good deeds are impartial evidence that our faith is active or on the go. James is referring to a faith that accomplishes something good for other people. If one fails to do this, his faith is just like those of the demons. Our good works reflects our inner character. We don’t end by just confessing that we are Christians, we need to prove that confession with works that are beneficial to others. God desires that we attain to that level where our faith is alive and active. He desires that kind of faith not a dead one.

Conclusion
Our goal is to have a meaningful praxis. Praxis means ‘translating or converting a thought or an idea into action.’ It may also refer to ‘the way we do things.’ The union of thought and action is what we need as Christians.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to show us the right way on how to convert our faith into action.