Count It All Joy

The letter of James is remarkable for a number of reasons. First, it is likely the earliest New Testament book, written sometime around the early 40s AD, just a decade after the life of Jesus. Secondly, it was written by Jesus’ brother who would also become one of the “pillars” of the early church and lead pastor of the church in Jerusalem. Third, James is a book not of technical doctrine but practical theology, containing 54 imperative instructions in its 108 verses.

The central idea of the book is that faith works. This phrase takes on multiple different meanings throughout the book, but in the most important sense, it means that true faith really does work as it provides a framework for living and thriving in the Christian life. Writing to many early Jewish Christians in a world of flux and dislocation, scattered due to persecution and wondering if their newly found belief in Christ is worth it, James will tell them how faith works, especially in trials. The word “trial” is complex and multifaceted, which is fitting because our trials are similarly diverse. They can arise from within or without, manifest as physical or spiritual afflictions, be temporary or lifelong, large or small. We don’t get to choose them, but we do get to choose how we respond to them.