21—Forty Days with James: Genuine Wisdom

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.James 3:17-19In 1st-century Palestine, James was a force for unity and peace.“James is burdened with a desire for communal unity, but unfortunately the inevitable result of unruly tongues, unholy zeal, and unchecked party spirit is chaos and division.”He had a sterling reputation (among the Jews and the Christians of his day). He was grieved by the many factions and frictions in Israel.Paul too had such a spirit (2 Cor 10:1ff), and taught this to others (Gal 5:23; 6:1). He trainedTimothy to pursue gentleness (1 Tim 6:11), and Titus as well (Titus 3:1ff).brother Jesus (Matt 11:28-29), who taught, "Blessed are the meek" (Matt 5:5).Yet the evangelical concept of manhood has changed greatly in the last half-century.Personality, including charisma, is more valued than character. A real man is a take-charge guy, and (in leadership) typically embraces with a "command and control" approach to the ministry.The "man's man" may be a bit rough around the edges. He enjoys (even needs) a good fight (or war). He is a hunter, an athlete, and a rugged outdoorsman. For sure he is no "sissy."He may be a chauvinist (no one's perfect). He may abuse others verbally or even sexually (though such peccadilloes are downplayed or covered up.) Also tolerated may be outbursts of shouting, anger, zeal (without knowledge), impulsivity, and insensitivity. Perhaps communication skills are suboptimal. But it's all good, because surely someone has to lead.Passages like Jas 3:17-18 are seen, or interpreted, as somehow “feminine."Mentioned during the reflection: Jesus & John Wayne.But surely the standard of manhood is Jesushimself, the perfect human!If you'd like more on these themes, please check out the Sermon on the Mount series (40 devotionals, recorded in 2020) here.Next: some brief background to James 4, then a reading of the entire letter (NASB).In teaching this sort of "wisdom" (Jas 3:17-18), James was only following the lead of his