If you are a Facebook friend, you will probably know that I have undertaken to memorize the book of James. Now, I'm learning one verse a day and only am a third of the way through chapter one (!). They are long chapters and each chapter deals with multiple topics. Chapter one starts with James' greeting and then moves on to what should be our approach when we are beset by troubles and suffering. He makes it clear that these facts of our lives here on earth, are really blessings in disguise for they will refine us and mature our patience and endurance.
Then the second topic in this chapter is that of the proper approach we should take when we are in need of wisdom. I used to think that when James said "If you need wisdom ask our generous God and he will give it to you"....And when you ask, ask in faith -- not doubting because the person who doubts is unstable in everything he does. Now I used to think that James was saying that we are to have faith that God will grant us wisdom....and to doubt that makes us unstable. But today, as I meditated on this passage it came to me that our faith is not to be in the fact that God will give us wisdom, but rather the faith to accept the direction that God gives us in response to our need.Whether it is a decision we must make or the wisdom we need to deal with difficult people (for example)... he said that our faith is to be in God alone. Do not waver!" because those who waver are divided in loyalty between God and the world (or the wisdom of the world). And the one who vacillates between God's direction and the advice of worldly people should not expect to receive anything from God....because his heart is divided. Now does this mean that they will not receive God's reply to their cry for wisdom? Yes. And more than that ...it is possible that we will miss out on numerous blessings and intimacy from and with God because our hearts are divided between him and the world.
Throughout Scripture the themes of oneness, integrity, singleness of mind and heart and purpose abound....and it is clear that these are qualities highly valued by God. And this passage is really all about that....not so much about our search for direction or wisdom. God wants people that are 100% committed to him and to obeying him....and then he will pour out the wisdom we need every day to navigate this life. And we can expect blessing from him as we follow his guidance moment to moment in our daily lives.
Then the second topic in this chapter is that of the proper approach we should take when we are in need of wisdom. I used to think that when James said "If you need wisdom ask our generous God and he will give it to you"....And when you ask, ask in faith -- not doubting because the person who doubts is unstable in everything he does. Now I used to think that James was saying that we are to have faith that God will grant us wisdom....and to doubt that makes us unstable. But today, as I meditated on this passage it came to me that our faith is not to be in the fact that God will give us wisdom, but rather the faith to accept the direction that God gives us in response to our need.Whether it is a decision we must make or the wisdom we need to deal with difficult people (for example)... he said that our faith is to be in God alone. Do not waver!" because those who waver are divided in loyalty between God and the world (or the wisdom of the world). And the one who vacillates between God's direction and the advice of worldly people should not expect to receive anything from God....because his heart is divided. Now does this mean that they will not receive God's reply to their cry for wisdom? Yes. And more than that ...it is possible that we will miss out on numerous blessings and intimacy from and with God because our hearts are divided between him and the world.
Throughout Scripture the themes of oneness, integrity, singleness of mind and heart and purpose abound....and it is clear that these are qualities highly valued by God. And this passage is really all about that....not so much about our search for direction or wisdom. God wants people that are 100% committed to him and to obeying him....and then he will pour out the wisdom we need every day to navigate this life. And we can expect blessing from him as we follow his guidance moment to moment in our daily lives.
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