Family Resemblance

One summer, I sat outside with my sons and a few of their friends. One of the friends started laughing at us.

“What is so funny?” I asked.

“You all laugh exactly the same; you can sure tell you are family,” he replied.

Do you have traits that give you away as a family member?

Well, James's language and style remind us that he is certainly Jesus' half-brother. If you compare Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the Book of James side by side, you’ll notice the similarity even in how they speak.

James was born of Mary but described himself not as Jesus' “brother” but as Jesus' “servant” (James 1:1). He was a man of humility, though recognized as a leader in the early church right after the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19). He was also a man of prayer. He listened to Jesus and certainly is one we should pay attention to when he reminds us that God opposes the proud.

Pride is like a basin. It holds the many sinful passions and attitudes that our sinful nature produces. It is the cause of most quarrels and conflicts. We are caught up in ourselves rather than serving God and loving others. Pride is the antithesis of grace. An “arrogant” believer is totally blind to God's ways.

Remember, James did not believe in Jesus prior to his appearance to those gathered in the Upper Room after his resurrection. He experienced the grace of God, and we can, too.

From a repentant, forgiven heart, James scolds us. He tells us that our walk must match our talk. If we fail to fulfil God's plan for our lives, pride is likely the primary reason and cause.

Respond in Prayer

Jesus, forgive me for the many times I act and speak l as though I am not even a believer. This scripture is so practical. As I see more of your character, I feel like I am in some unspecified place between your wisdom and my pride. Give me discernment and humility so I can confess my pride.

Carson Pue