James 1

A reflection by Peter Thompson, our Vice President and Head of Operations

This semester, we’ve been diving into the book of James together as a team. I’m very excited to be reading this book because James’s main theme is to challenge worldliness and truly live out one’s faith, which are things that I definitely need to work on as a believer. In the first chapter, James gives a high-level summary of the topics that he will cover in the following chapters, but 3 of the verses really stuck out to me.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

James 1:17 reminded me that God is the author of my life and my faith and that all the things He has done in my life — even the suffering — is truly a gift from God. In my past struggles, I’ve questioned how my current situation could possibly be good for me and glorifying to God. However, God has proven time and time again just how faithful He is. Through the trials, He has strengthened and reminded me of how lacking I am without Him. My God is unchanging in His character. He has, is, and always will be faithful.

“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Additionally, I was very compelled by the call placed in James 1:21–22. As a Christian, I am to strip off anything that hinders me from God; to not involve myself in any part of it. However, it is extremely important to remember to be not only devoid of the things of the world, but also filled with the Word of God because it is the only thing that satisfies. It truly is and should be my daily bread. My only proper response to hearing and reading these truths is to act upon it. It would be sinful and hypocritical of me to not act in accordance with the Word and the faith that I claim to have in Jesus Christ. I’m challenged and convicted to not think it sufficient to simply read the Word daily, but to also apply it in my life so that God will be glorified and that others will be able to see the light and love of Christ in me.

I’m looking forward to the ways that God will speak to me and the team through this semester as we continue to delve deeper into the book of James. I hope that as we read, we would go out and live lives that are glorifying to God and representative of the saving power of the Gospel.