Word@Work James1 - James 1:1
Published: Tue, 02/10/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
GLAD TO SERVE
James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: greetings. (NIV)
This letter from James is a feast of practical wisdom. As we follow his God-given advice, it will help us to transform our life at work each day.
James was the brother of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had shared the family home with our Saviour, seen His behaviour and noted His reactions when things did not go according to plan in the carpentry business. James would have seen no different 'sales character' when Jesus talked with customers: He was always the same at home, in the synagogue and at work (cf Heb 13:8). So James could draw his instructions from many examples he remembered, as well as Jesus' teaching. It was not just 'what would Jesus do' but 'what did Jesus do'!
Having such a close relationship to the Saviour of the world, you might think that James might show off his family connection. He might have wanted to boast a little, and possibly share some of the inside family stories, so that he would be seen as a 'big man'. But, no! James describes himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Despite his close relationship with Jesus, he knew that his brother was God in a human body; and was happy to describe himself as a bond-slave. He knew he was owned by his Master (bought by His blood), and so he had no personal rights as he did whatever Jesus commanded.
How many Christians have never learned this. In business and in the church, we like to attract powerful people as patrons, or use family relationships to benefit ourselves. James will speak out strongly against such favouritism (James 2:1-13 and 5:1-6). Wherever it happens in business or the church, proper growth cannot happen - that is, growth that benefits everybody. Yet it is seen so often! It seems that people use their influential friends and family so that they can do well for themselves, without caring what God thinks ... or how He wants to bless everybody. So today is a good day to take stock of our relationships. Are we really content to be bond slaves of our Master - so that His will can be worked out through our lives?
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that You do not favour anybody because of their background or influential contacts. Help me to see everybody as you do and work with You for the blessing of others, rather than for what I may be able to get from them for myself. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
This letter from James is a feast of practical wisdom. As we follow his God-given advice, it will help us to transform our life at work each day.
James was the brother of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had shared the family home with our Saviour, seen His behaviour and noted His reactions when things did not go according to plan in the carpentry business. James would have seen no different 'sales character' when Jesus talked with customers: He was always the same at home, in the synagogue and at work (cf Heb 13:8). So James could draw his instructions from many examples he remembered, as well as Jesus' teaching. It was not just 'what would Jesus do' but 'what did Jesus do'!
Having such a close relationship to the Saviour of the world, you might think that James might show off his family connection. He might have wanted to boast a little, and possibly share some of the inside family stories, so that he would be seen as a 'big man'. But, no! James describes himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Despite his close relationship with Jesus, he knew that his brother was God in a human body; and was happy to describe himself as a bond-slave. He knew he was owned by his Master (bought by His blood), and so he had no personal rights as he did whatever Jesus commanded.
How many Christians have never learned this. In business and in the church, we like to attract powerful people as patrons, or use family relationships to benefit ourselves. James will speak out strongly against such favouritism (James 2:1-13 and 5:1-6). Wherever it happens in business or the church, proper growth cannot happen - that is, growth that benefits everybody. Yet it is seen so often! It seems that people use their influential friends and family so that they can do well for themselves, without caring what God thinks ... or how He wants to bless everybody. So today is a good day to take stock of our relationships. Are we really content to be bond slaves of our Master - so that His will can be worked out through our lives?
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that You do not favour anybody because of their background or influential contacts. Help me to see everybody as you do and work with You for the blessing of others, rather than for what I may be able to get from them for myself. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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