James 1:2-7
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than to watch the excitement on a child’s face as they anticipate Christmas presents. And as parents and guardians, we have little choice but to accommodate their enthusiasm by buying gifts for them. But often the challenge is matching their expectations to our realization. Sometimes they ask for things that are totally inappropriate or beyond reach. Other times they ask for things that aren’t going to push them, or help them grow. The experienced giver knows exactly what to give, and who to give it to. A wise recipient learns to be happy no matter what blessings come their way.
Now, the basis of the child’s request rest on the amount of faith they have in the giver. I find our older grandchildren tend to categorize the gifts they expect to receive from us based on the amount of money they believe we have. Since grandparents are old and not working, they figure they’d better go lightly. Asking for too much might strain the relationship and they receive nothing. They don’t know enough about our capabilities to properly assess our ability to purchase what they really may desire. They hold back because of lack of faith. Bottom line, because we have a limited relationship, they have limited trust in our ability to provide what they want or need.
But even without knowing the financial position, they go to their parents with the most outlandish requests, fully expecting them to fulfill every fantasy and desire. They don’t doubt their capability, commitment or resolve. They ask without doubt or fear. Because they know their character, they ask in total faith.
James, writes this letter to the Church of Christ as a practical advisory to those that hope to receive anything from the Lord. It isn’t deep in theological jargon, or steeped in philosophy, psychology or other highly academic subjects. It’s plain old fashioned advice to regular people. But as such, it stands head and shoulders above any unbiblical wisdom or counsel. This is straight talk directly from the Lord.
In this opening chapter, he lays the foundation for the entirety of the letter, with the most relevant point being the benefit of faith. He contends, and we certainly agree, that it is the trying (or testing) of our faith that produces the patience, stamina and fortitude to press on even in difficult times. And he further adds, that anyone lacking the wisdom and understanding to activate their faith, need only seek the Lord’s help. But there’s a condition. You can’t approach God in doubt and expect anything. The key to receiving anything from God is to have faith. Asking alone is not sufficient. Your ask, must be accompanied by faith.
And therein lies the essence of today’s lesson. The childlike faith I spoke of earlier is a perfect example of the posture we all must have when seeking something from God. We can’t start qualifying, quantifying or otherwise evaluating Gods ability or willingness to do good by us. Because he is good, everything he does is good. And because everything he does is good, we worship him for his goodness, not simply for his gifts to us.
Dear Children of the Most High, let our hearts chase after God’s holiness. Let our spirits be filled with his passion, and our minds continuously on his words. Let us ask, and never doubt. I pray you receive everything God has for you. Merry Christmas.
God Bless
