Let me state the obvious: James is a letter that was written by a "guy" named James (perhaps the half-brother of Jesus) to the twelve tribes of Israel. So...how does an ancient letter written to a group of people scattered throughout the world relate to us? (Good Question!) "No," we are not the twelve tribes of Israel scattered abroad; however, as a Believer in Christ, we have a lot in common with a people of faith who are surrounded by a culture that is not necessarily of a common religious persuasion. I don't have a personal problem with living for Christ in a diverse secular/pagan/agnostic culture, because, I am building my life on the Rock...but, I have noticed a trend of a growing hostility towards Christianity.
Have you ever asked yourself this question: "Why do Jewish people seem to be the target of hate--both historically and in our present time?" The answer is fairly simple, if not complete. I believe that the Jews were hated by the nations where they were scattered for one basic reason. They were not easily absorbed into the local cultures. They maintained their own religious beliefs; they maintained their own language; they maintained their own identity as a people group; they discouraged intermarriage with people outside their persuasion...you get the idea! As much as our current culture pretends to embrace the idea of diversity, it is a selective diversity at best. Any people group that does not march to the beat of the current fashionable ideas are putting themselves in the crossfire of possible persecution.
How can we remain true to what we believe in a sea of growing hostilities? The Apostle Paul gave some great advice that we should consider: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:12-15) The key phrase: "You must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of!" As Believers who are scattered abroad throughout a hostile world--we must maintain our identity as Followers of Christ. The price may include persecution, even a martyr's death, but continue in the faith, run the race and win the prize. It will be worth the sacrifice!
Prayer: "Dear Father, I am not alone in my faith. I am surrounded by others who refuse to bow before the popular opinions of those speak out against the Church. Please center my thinking on the thoughts that come from above and not be persuaded by the vanity of popular culture. I confess that the wisdom of man is foolishness compared to Your wisdom. Please fill my life with the virtue of courage that I might speak up. Cause me to continue to stand for the things that are virtuous and against those things that are not. May Your Kingdom come and rule in my life. Amen!"
