James 1:13-18
Reflect
A wonderful thing about the book of James is how direct James is in his writing. In this particular passage, he wastes no time discussing the root of what motivates sinful actions, and temptations. While they are not from the will of God, but from our own desires (vs13-15). This then is contrasted with the very next section, where James talks about what does come from God. This is, that we have been born by the word of truth, so that we might become the first fruits of his creatures (vs17-18).
When I think of the reference to fruits, I instantly think of the fruit of the spirit. While this may not be the intent of this reference, it certainly can be comparable. The growth and flourishing that has to take place to bear fruit is exactly the metaphor that James is trying to establish. His reference to shadows and light earlier (v17) contrasts the light, God, and the shadows, what is not from God, to establish what it should look like to follow God. This agricultural metaphor establishes what it is like to be “a kind of first fruits of his creatures” (v18).
If that is the case, how can we make sure that we stay in the light, and not go back into the shadows of our own desires?
Noah Okken
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his ministry, and family.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Beth Cheung, Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kliewer, Mary Jetha, Mike Ross, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Trevor Toews, Uwem Okome.
- Pray for our office staff: Vicky Bailey, Naomi Voss; bookkeeper Liudmyla Lushchyk
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.