The Book of James in the King James Bible is written to the
scattered tribes of Israel. James recognizes that they are enduring
trials. Does he offer a solution? No, he says "count it all joy" and to
"let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing." Sometimes it takes hard times to refine your strength
and your faith. Can we find joy in our sufferings? Yes, if we recognize
God's hand in the strength that we are using to make it through.
James
also has an interesting comment on the practical use of faith. We know
that grace, or faith, cannot be earned through works. Grace is given to
us when we ask and when we believe in Jesus Christ. James wonders about
faith without works. "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man
say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?" If someone
is without food or clothing, do we send them away without helping?
James adds "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
What a conviction that we are to see other people's needs and not
dismiss them but to do something to help them!
The above passages
are a couple of the gems that can be found in the Book of James in the
King James Bible. It is not a long book, only a few pages, and it is
one that I have not referred to often. It does provide
thought-provoking messages like the one above that makes us think about
what we are doing with our faith. Is my faith dead? Or do I have a
heart for those in need. Do I have the works to make my faith visible
to others? These are the questions I have to ask myself after reading
James 2:14-17. James holds us accountable later in his book saying that
for those who know to do good, and don't do it, that is sin.
In
Chapter 4, as if we weren't humble enough, King James asks why we say we are
going to do something tomorrow? We don't know what will happen. "For
what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little
time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, if the Lord
will, we shall live, and do this, or that." It makes me feel very small
indeed.
William Munday is a webmaster, author, and has a genuine interest in
the history and study of the King James Bible. To download a copy of
the King James Bible or to learn more about it, please visit http://www.TheBible-Online.com.
