Read + Reflect + Respond with James 1:9-18

He does not change like shifting shadows...

James 1:9-18

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

READ + REFLECT + RESPOND 

READ:

Read the passage slowly and carefully in your favorite version. Then do it again! Consider reading the verses aloud. Copying some or all of them by hand will also help you remember them better than just reading them.

REFLECT:

• Write the passage, or part of it, in your own words. 
• There seem to be four different subjects within this passage, as noted by the paragraph breaks. Even if it appears to jump from one topic to another, how does each section connect with the ones before and after it? What is the main point of each one? 
• What are some of the key words in the text? 
• Make a list of things from this passage that God does and does not do.
• Make a list of things from this passage that we are supposed to do or not do.
• Which section of this passage seems to be a continuation of the James 1:1-8?
• Why do you think James contrasts the rich and poor like this? It's not the only time he does it in this book, and in both cases he is making generalities to which there are exceptions. Why do his words seem counter-intuitive, or not what people would usually think about poverty and wealth? What privileges could a poor person have that a rich person might not have? What problems could a rich person have that a poor person might not? How does all of this relate to God being the giver of every good gift?
• Why are we tempted to blame God or other people when we sin? Can you think of other times in the Bible when people tried to blame shift? A temptation is one type of trial, so what are we supposed to do, according to verse 12? Also, how do we eliminate the power of sinful desires?
• What are some good gifts that you have received from God? This includes tangible things, as well as relationships, abilities, and spiritual blessings.
• What does it mean that God "does not change like shifting shadows"? What are some related adjectives which describe this aspect of his character?

RESPOND:

• How can you specifically apply the verses in your own life? I have listed some Action Ideas below.
• What are the potential benefits and challenges of your intended actions? How do you need to prepare to carry them out? Do you need help? If so, who?
• Write a short prayer based on the verses.

Action Ideas

Think about where you are on the socio-economic spectrum. How does this affect your lifestyle choices, as well as how you think about and relate to other people at different income levels? This could apply to people you personally know, as well as your reactions to what happens in global, national, and local news. Is there anything in your attitudes, speech, and/or actions which needs to change? Do you owe an apology to anyone? Now's a great time to make a call, send a note, or sit down face to face. Also, think of what you can do to alleviate poverty, here or abroad. Here are two organizations to consider:

• Carry the Future provides practical emergency relief such as baby supplies to refugee families. 
• Compassion International provides educational, medical, nutritional, and other support to impoverished people overseas

(I'll list more organizations in later posts about putting our faith into action.)

What tempts you? What practical things can you do to eliminate the power of this temptation? Do you need to avoid a place or certain people? Do you need to unsubscribe from something or block a web site? Do you need to make restitution to someone you sinned against? 

One of the most powerful ways to conquer a vice is to strengthen its opposite virtue. If unhealthy food is a temptation, you can remove it from your house and replace it with healthy food.  If your entertainment choices are a snare, choose something that is more wholesome. If you struggle to be patient in the grocery checkout line, let someone behind you go first. If you waste too much time piddling around, start scheduling productive activities. If being verbally critical is damaging your relationships, switch to an attitude of gratitude, notice and thank others for what they do, and rehearse gracious responses to the kinds of situations which usually stress you.

God often gives us good gifts by instilling generosity into the hearts of others so that they are willing to share their resources and abilities. How can you thank those who bless you? How can you share your own resources and abilities with others? 

HYMN

We Plough the Fields and Scatter

“We Plough the Fields and Scatter”
Author: Matthias Claudius (1782, German)
Translator: Jane M. Campbell

We plough the fields, and scatter
The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered
By God's almighty hand;
He sends the snow in winter,
The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine,
And soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord,
O thank the Lord
For all His love.

He only is the Maker
Of all things near and far;
He paints the wayside flower,
He lights the evening star;
The winds and waves obey Him,
By Him the birds are fed;
Much more to us, His children,
He gives our daily bread.
All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord,
O thank the Lord
For all His love.

We thank Thee, then, O Father,
For all things bright and good,
The seed-time and the harvest,
Our life, our health, our food:
No gifts have we to offer
For all Thy love imparts,
But that which Thou desirest,
Our humble, thankful hearts.
All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord,
O thank the Lord
For all His love.

PRAYER

Dear Father, Giver of all good gifts, thank you for blessing us so much and providing for our needs. Help us to grow in generosity so we can be a blessing to others. Strengthen us to endure trials, resist temptation, and grow in virtue. Amen.

~*~*~

Lord, be with us this day,
Within us to purify us;
Above us to draw us up;
Beneath us to sustain us;
Before us to lead us;
Behind us to restrain us;
Around us to protect us.

(St. Patrick c389-461)

Read more classic and contemporary prayers at: http://www.faithandworship.com/JohnBirch.htm#ixzz5GRZluGZK 


TAKING IT FURTHER

Click on these links for more resources on this passage.

My Reflections on James 1:9-18
Study Helps for James 1:9-18