Trusting enough to act.

James 2:1-17

Context
The letter of James is the New Testament’s main example of “wisdom literature.” It is similar to Proverbs in providing practical information on how to get along in life — but from a Christian perspective. Jewish wisdom literature claims both that (a) following God will lead to greater wealth, and (b) those with money should give to those without. The early church was known for extensive and systematic sharing with one another.

Listening to the writer
Last week we looked at categories of "clean" and "unclean" - of being properly prepared for worship. Dress is one common way today of preparing for church. What does James think about clothing and church? (OK, this is not a difficult question. But I have seen people again and again [and again] kick others out of church based upon their clothing.)

What lessons have you learned from someone (perhaps in your own family) who was “poor in the world” but “rich in faith”? If you can't think of any, talk with some students who have spent time working with people from a less developed culture - and then sign up for an alternative Spring Break trip!

We often abhor some kinds of sin (drunkenness?) while indulging in others (gossip?). James reminds us that the law is a whole, and that all sin is to be abhorred (verses 9, 10). Think about the sins that really bother you. Are they connected to a certain social class?

In Romans, Paul emphasized again and again that God saves us through faith, not through our works. What does James say about faith without works?

If someone says "I trust in Christ" and then ignores Jesus' suggestions, do you think they have faith in Christ?

Listening to God
Spend some time in meditation on one or more of the following:
Consider your attitudes towards people of different social classes (richer or poorer). Does God want your attitudes to change? How well does your outward behavior reflect your attitudes?

What areas of God's will (as you understand it) do you follow well? In which areas do you struggle? Do you focus more on the positives or the negatives? Where is God calling you to focus?

"Faith without works is dead." What do your current works have to say about your faith? Is God currently calling you to focus more on your works, or on your trust in God?

Miscellaneous Meanderings
Many of us in America live very sheltered lives from an economic standpoint. In my current setting - living next to and working on a college campus - "the poor" is a very abstract notion. I meet "the poor" infrequently, usually on trips specifically aimed at seeking them out. I presumably meet "the poor" occasionally when out shopping in town, but day-to-day dress doesn't say much in Mt Pleasant about one's economic class.
As a downtown pastor in Battle Creek, "the poor" was very concrete. I daily met people who lived on (and over) the edge, and knew people who died from poverty-related problems.
This cloistering from the poor - though not intentional - definitely redirects passions and energy. I am focused on serving students 24/6*, and although this includes teaching students about economic reality and God's concern for the poor - and Spring Break trips, and CROP Walk, and preaching, etc - the passion to help create a social-justice network or regularly spend time across class boundaries is simply not there.
Of course, God cares for students, and the need on campus is great. Is such specialization appropriate? Or is it simply caving in to the desires of a stratified society and the comfort of living in "my" world?

*Re: 24/6 - I actually support all 10 commandments, not just 9, and take a sabbath :-). On Mondays I am focused much more on games, food, sleep, and (hopefully) God than on serving students.

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