Blogging in B Minor

There was a great message this weekend at church. Isn’t it amazing how many times things are right on target with where you are at a particular time? My wife and I were just talking about trials in life and how they build endurance and character – and how we’ve certainly had enough of that in the last year so as far as we’re concerned, a break would be ok with us! Between my situation and her high risk pregnancy complicated with bedrest followed by an emergency c-section 13 days after my brain surgery – well, let’s just say we think we’re doing ok in the endurance department! However, it’s sometimes hard to see why things are placed in your life, particularly when they can take your life. That is what I have struggled with over and over again.

What does scripture say about trials? Endurance? Well, after talking all about this with Rachael on Saturday night, there was the message on Sunday – the Book of James which essentially describes what maturity means. Going back to endurance, the following verses come back to mind which were part of a document I put together back early on (see http://www.markmillermusic.org/blog/2007/06/21/verses-to-know/):

James 1:2-4 2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. 3 For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. The message was great – it began by describing what maturity isn’t: age, appearance, achievement and academics and that God says maturity is determined by attitude.

It’s interesting getting some background. James was a relunctant believer. He didn’t believe at first and Jesus challenged him. James did become a believer later. He was likely the oldest of Christ’s brothers and sisters since he heads the list in Mathew 13:55.

Why did James write?

• It was written to comfort Christians undergoing trials – testings and penalties which were already coming because of their Christian faith.
• It was written to help Christians walk through TOUGH times.
• It was written to help Christians walk through TEMPTING times
• James wrote to encourage believers to take their walk with God seriously.

The next part of the message was all focused on the 5 marks of maturity:

1. A mature person is positive under pressure (James 1:2-4; James 1:12)
2. A mature person is sensitive to people – James 2:8 (see also James 2:1-6, James 2:14-16)
3. A mature person has mastered self-control – James 3:2 (see also James 3:3-11; James 1:26)
4. A mature person is a peacemaker, not a troublemaker – James 4:1
   1. Sources of conflict are selfishness and judging
5. A mature person is hopeful when troubled – James 5:7, James 5:11, James 5:16

Isn’t this enlightening? I am certainly being tested under items 1, 3 and 5 above. I believe the above makes anyone think because it is difficult for people to practice these traits consistently – I know it is for me. I struggle with them all of the time. And finally, how can the Book of James be broken down ? Our pastor broke it down as follows:

1. Wisdom: The foundation of spiritual growth
2. Faith: The substance of spiritual growth
3. Self-Control: The lifestyle of spiritual growth
4. Humility: The attitude of spiritual growth
5. Hopeful Prayer: The evidence of spiritual growth

This book and the verses contained within it were helpful to me particularly when this all started in my life – and they continue to be and will always be. Anyway, I thought I would share some detail behind this message because it was really fantastic. And, every once in awhile a message hits home and this one really did exactly that.

Site Search Tags: bible, christian, christian-resources, faith, god, verses

Subscribe by Email RSS Subscription