James 5:7-12
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
What a reminder to be anxiously kingdom minding. Patience not for our own gain and relief but for the Glory of the coming of Christ. James was written to the suffering and persecuted, Jewish Christians, living in the shadow of Jesus Death. We are reminded of the suffering of the profits and the virtue of a steadfast faith. Remember these were baby Christians and they were under great pressure. This letter was to be an encouragement, a reminder, a battle cry, to Keep the Faith.
Am I much different. I do not worry for my spiritual freedom from powers or violence. But the power and violence of media invading my very home leaves me isolated and out of step with the world I liven. It is the silent, gentle persecution of the complacent, non-offending, Canadian culture that is killing the family and the faithful and the Church.
This is my battle to fight. This is my challenge, I must to quicken with the hope of eternity. I must see it in the eyes of every child. If I do not put my heart and hands to the task of the Gospel and the infusing of virtues, that point to the cross, I am but a wasted pawn in the war with life and death. Just standing in the way not contributing to the promise of hope and everlasting Joy.
My complacency condemns the lost Children, I see them as just fine, and a hope for this worlds future. When I fail to see the gruesome fate of those lost from the truth. I fail to see the potential suffering an eternal damnation I am inactivity a part of.
I must keep the faith and stay in the fight for spreading the Gospel. I am to be counter cultural. That is as simple as committing to modesty and as challenging to accept my husband as the Head of our Home. It is to die to self and to see it as gain. It is to stand for truth even when it offends, thought I must be committed to impartiality, as I pour out Jesus Love equally, even when I don’t agree.
pa.tience : noun – the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering with out getting angry or upset.
stead.fast : adjective – resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering
suf.fer.ing : noun – the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship
The point is to remember God is still working on us all, so stay humble, stay faithful, stay in the fight for faith because the furthering of the kingdom is on the line. We are to allow Jesus to touch every aspect of our person our mind and our soul so nothing in our lives is exempt from the changing power of the Holy Spirit. Including the Power of Prayer for those lost in the wilderness, brushing in and out of our days.
I am to be a woman of truth and commitment and I must follow through. My yes is my Yes and my No my No. If I can not stand by my own word and know what is right and wrong for me to do. Then how can I stand by Gods word and discern what is good and true? How could anyone take my faith or the bible seriously if I’m so inconstant? Who would have hope in Christ with wishy- washy Christians?
So be steadfast, as you commit yourself as ambassadors of Christ, so the Lords Love will be known. Do not lose focus, do not lose hope, do not lose sight of eternity…
This is the message of James….
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