To Do or Not To Do

The book of James, originally written to Jews scattered abroad, provides us with so much in the way of practical application. As the “Proverbs of the New Testament,” this letter speaks to daily Christian living in a powerful way. The theme of active faith is seen throughout the book. Only a working, living faith that loves without partiality constitutes true religion. We are encouraged to maintain our faith even through trials. There are many ways to outline this book. One strategy is to try and create a list as you read. Look at the things James tells us to do, and then compare with what these scriptures tell us not to do. Here are two lists presented for you, with the appropriate scripture references noted.

James says we are to do these things:

(1:2) Rejoice in Trials

(1:5) Ask Wisdom of God

(1:6) Ask in Faith

(1:22) Be Doers of the Word

(2:8) Love our Neighbor

(2:12) Follow the Law of Liberty

(2:22) Complete Our Faith with Works

(3:5) Guard our Tongues

(3:13) Show Meek Wisdom

(4:7-8) Draw Near to God

(4:10) Humble Ourselves

(4:17) Do Good

(5:7-11) Be Patient

(5:13) Sing Psalms

(5:16) Pray for One Another

(5:19-20) Turn a Sinner from Error

And we are not to do these things:

(1:6) Waver or Doubt

(1:13) Say that God Tempts Us

(1:19-20) Be Wrathful

(1:25) Be Forgetful Hearers

(2:1) Hold the Faith with Partiality

(2:17) Have a Dead Faith

(3:1) Have Many Become Teachers

(3:9) Curse Men

(3:14) Boast or Lie against the Truth

(3:16) Have Envy and Create Rivalry

(4:4) Be Friends of Worldliness

(4:6) Be Puffed Up with Pride

(4:11) Speak Evil of One Another

(4:13-16) Boast about Tomorrow

(5:1-6) Heap Up Treasure on Earth

(5:9-12) Grumble or Swear

There is a quote often attributed to Atari founder, Nolan Bushnell. On the subject of video game design, Bushnell said, “all the best games are easy to learn and difficult to master.” This truth could also be applied to many board games and other pastimes. While the Christian life is certainly not a game, I can’t help but think of this phrasing as I consider the simple practicality of James. Every Christian can benefit from a study of this book, from the youngest babe in Christ to the most seasoned servant in the church. I am so thankful for this type of instruction in God’s Word. We should all be encouraged to latch onto these lessons and work with enthusiasm to show our faith through our obedience.