As I am studying the book of James, God, through His Word, has spoken very clearly to my heart: since I have a relationship with Him, what I value must be what He values.
What does God value?
The Bible gives us a clear understanding of what He values. What God values often clashes with what people of this world value.
The world values possessions and believes they give us value. But God declares that is a lie.
The world values living for our own interests and feel that this is best. But God declares that is a lie.
The world values money, and believes large sums of money give us value. But God declares that is a lie.
The world says that we can find satisfaction and fulfillment in pride, possessions, and position. But Goddeclares that is a lie.
The world says that character is not a priority. But God declares that is a lie.
God values character.
Please, consider these teachings from God, as recorded by James:
Godly character is developed through perseverance in trials: James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” [Do you want fulfillment, and to lack nothing? Then, heed the exhortation in these verses.]
The world lauds the intellect – forgetting our brains are a gift from God to be used to seek Him – but Godly character is developed by dependence upon God’s wisdom: James 1:5-7 explains that we need wisdom to live for Him. Only God can provide that wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” [Trust and faith in God is the road to Godly character.]
God values humility. The world lauds pride, but God detests it. James 1:9-11 reveal this truth: “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. [This is not a haughty pride, coming from one’s own accomplishments, but a humbling pride, because Jesus made it possible for His followers to have a “high position” in His kingdom.] Worldly pride, which comes from trust in one’s riches, leads to eternal destruction: “But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 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.”
God values perseverance, but the world wants everything easy and now. James states in 1:12 “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.” Perseverance reveals God is at work developing His character in His people. The world would rather have wealth, but God’s people should want His character working in them.
The world believes that money can buy happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment, but God explains in James 1:16-18 what God values. “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, [What God provides us is what satisfies us completely.] coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the Word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” God values our relationship with Him. It is based on Jesus, who is “the way, the truth, and the life”, John 14:6.
In James 1:19-21, God provides us with further guidance on building character: “ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you.”
In James 1:22-25, God provides us with guidance on living for Him: “ Do not merely listen to the Word [the Bible], and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Our actions never save us from our sins, but they reveal where our heart is with God. When we have a true relationship with Jesus, people can “see” God’s Word in our actions. For example, they will see that we are different because we are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. This is a process! I still fail to do these more than I want, but God helps me confess my sin, and to repent, giving me another chance to obey these commands.
Today many people believe they have the right to say anything they want to anyone, without thought or consideration of the impact of their words. But God sees it differently, as James 1: 26 tells us: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
While most people consume themselves with what matters most to them, God cares how we treat others. James 1: 27 shows this to be true: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
God values how we utilize the resources He has provided, because our use of His resources reveal our character.
God is the owner of everything. He lends all of it to us, so that we can use our homes, vehicles, finances, time, etc. for His good purposes. Psalm 24:1 supports this truth: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;” Luke 12:42-48 is a parable Jesus taught so that we could understand our responsibility of stewardship. God values how we utilize all He gives us.
Generally, what the world values clashes with God’s Word. But God patiently leads those who truly love and obey Him in His ways.
His ways are always for our benefit!
His ways are always good, not always easy.
Where is your heart? Are you more inclined to desire the things this world offers, or to obey God, and experience His blessings?
Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com if you would like to talk about a true relationship with God, through His one and only Son, Jesus.
Living for Jesus, Donna
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