The Times, They Are a-Changin’…or Are They?

I think the struggle many people have with getting into reading the Bible has a lot to do with preconceived notions about what it’s like to actually do so. Yes, it’s comprised of writings that were produced thousands of years ago. The world it was originally written in and the audience for which it was written certainly had its own set of challenges unique to the time. The language can be tricky, and it can feel like it takes more brain power than you can muster to just sit down and try to understand what’s being said. Be that as it may, there is absolutely no denying the lessons, wisdom, and guidance held within are timeless.

As I’m sure you can tell from reading my other blogs on this site, I’m a huge advocate of getting into the Bible and tackling it no matter how difficult it may seem at first. This is an endeavor that will honestly take your whole life. There’s something new to discover every time you read and re-read. You’ll never stop learning. However, I know a lot of people are also interested in reading something they feel will pertain to them. Some of the more historical books can be confusing and, to be frank, I can see why most people who don’t have a ton of direction might give up before they even begin.

If I had to recommend one book for those kinds of people, it would be the book of James. Like every book in the Bible, there are a TON of takeaways that can be found that are very much applicable today. Some truths are universal, and I think this book is a great example of that. I thought I’d give interested readers a little taste that might whet their appetites for reading the book as a whole. Here are some themes that might resonate with you.

The relationship between faith and works

The book of James makes it very clear faith and works go hand in hand. While it’s important to have faith above all else, we show our faith to others through the way we treat them. In James 2:14-17, we see the author make the argument that “...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” In other words, it’s not enough to simply talk the talk. As Christians, we must walk the talk. To create a complete picture, one must be bolstered by the other (James 2:22). The point of “...faith without deeds is dead” is so important we see it repeated a second time in James 2:26. If we are people of faith, good works should flow naturally as we should want to demonstrate our beliefs to others in ways that help them see what it means to strive to be like Christ.

Showing mercy and compassion to the poor

Another unmistakable theme of the book of James is Christians are to care for those who are struggling to make ends meet. James 1:27 calls out orphans and widows in particular, which makes sense for the period in which it was originally written. However, we can’t stop there. It’s the poor in general as stated in James 2:5 that will be blessed - those who give to others what they can will never truly be poor. As seen in my previous point, James 2:15-16 says we are to help the poor in tangible ways, as simply saying “'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed…’” won’t help them survive. The mark of a Christian is the fact they will help those who are in need - period. They don’t ask how they will be repaid, nor do they do anything with the expectation they will be rewarded. They do it because they know God would want that person to experience His love through their actions. 

Requesting and obtaining wisdom

Asking for and making use of wisdom is the final theme worth noting. James 1:5 makes it clear that all we need to do is ask and we’ll receive wisdom from God. But with this wisdom, we must make sure we exercise it properly. That means taking what we learn from the Bible and putting it into practice (James 1:22). It’s not something we should flaunt or brag about. If anything, humility is a sign that someone is truly wise. Other features of a wise person are included in James 3:17: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." It is a gentle person, one who adheres to the first two themes included in this section, that exhibits wisdom.

2023 is a lot different than the B.C. times in many ways. But something we can take refuge in is knowing “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). His word never fails, and is always pertinent in the lives of those who read it – whether it’s a shepherd thousands of years ago, a farm worker hundreds of years ago, or a businesswoman living today. Times change, but the word of God remains “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12).