5 Powerful (and 1 Dangerous) Life Lessons From James

James has at least one very dangerous lesson for us.

This book is nearly a blueprint on how we should live our lives as Jesus followers. It is altogether possible to find dozens of life lessons here, but I want to share just a few.

The Paradox of Suffering

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2–4 (ESV)

No one likes to suffer. We don’t naturally consider trials a joy. But trials of life can be useful to us to strengthen our faith. Believing through crisis makes a profound difference to our maturity and progress in our spiritual lives.

It is natural for us to find someone to commiserate with us and reinforce our suffering. Instead, we should do all we can to put ourselves into a place of rejoicing, trusting God to help us through the valley of suffering.

Recognition of Where Good Originates

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 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 1:16–17 (ESV)

Significantly, this verse says EVERY good gift. Whatever is good in your life and in this world is a gift from God. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy lots of good things that are not at all spiritual. God gives us these good things to enhance our whole lives because he is interested in our whole lives. So, give thanks for these good gifts. They are expressions of God’s care, concern and love for us.

Watch What You Say

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

James 1:26 (ESV)

Don’t use an excuse. I have heard too many Christians say something like this: I just speak my mind, that is how God made me. That is foolish! God has given us self-control. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit. I cringe at so many things I have heard people say or post on social media. If you can’t say it with love, don’t say it. Here’s a helpful acronym. Before you speak – THINK. Is what you are about to say:

True

Helpful

Inspiration

Necessary

Kind.

If we all followed this guidance, we would all be talking a little (or a lot) less!

One Dangerous Lesson

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

James 3:1 (ESV)

God calls some to teach. He equips them to do so. To aspire to be a spiritual teacher, or to take on the task to do so should be done only at God’s call. False teachers are out there. They sound good and spiritual but the reality of judgment and the higher standard that is set for teachers should give everyone a sober reminder.

Before you utter a word, teacher, think about what you are about to say. Is it God’s word or your opinion? Are you using God’s word to further your own ideas? Are you convinced you know what is true and right? Be careful. Be humble.

Two Keys to Overcoming Temptation

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 (ESV)

Too often people quote the second half of this verse as the method to overcome temptation. But the second part is only half of the equation. First, we must be submitted to God. When we are submissive to God, he provides the power to effectively resist the devil. In facing temptation, the prayer of submission to God is powerful. When we speak the words of submission to God, we are actively resisting the devil.

The Power of Prayer

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

James 5:16–18 (ESV)

When we are in right standing with God, our prayer makes a difference. Being in close communion with God helps us understand his will, hear his voice and know how to pray. God can do anything. When we are in step with him, we will know what he wants to do and that will guide our prayer.

Your Turn

I challenge you to put these six lessons in action in your life and then find more lessons from this powerful book!

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