Writing to a wide audience in the first century, James highlighted some very important elements in our faith if it is to be “pure and faultless.” Among other things, Jesus’ followers should keep themselves “from being polluted by the world.” Bible scholar N.T. Wright translates that phrase like this: “prevent the world leaving its dirty … Continue reading Polluted by the world?
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Quick to listen
“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” (James 1:19-20). Quick to listen. The KJV translation says “swift to hear.” Either way, the meaning is clear. When we’re NOT quick to listen to God or to the concerns … Continue reading Quick to listen
Invisible visible beliefs
“That person is so heavenly minded that they’re of no earthly use.” Have you ever heard that expression? It’s a put down. Why? Because the opposite should be true for us as followers of Jesus. Seeking to learn and do God's will should translate into usefulness and helpfulness in the here and now. James was … Continue reading Invisible visible beliefs
Giving Grace
Things are crazy right now. Can I get an Amen? Remember when the pandemic started and everyone was very supportive of one another? Fast forward to today and we’re all wearing thin. We are stretched. We are tired. We are weary. We are impatient. We are bombarded by news reports, conspiracy theories, and decisions which … Continue reading Giving Grace
When success isn’t success
A lot of people want to be “successful.” In fact, since so many people think that success is a good thing, and since the drive for success can be so powerful, we can rationalize doing questionable things to get there. But it’s not success if you fail at virtue. In Colossians, Paul talks about putting … Continue reading When success isn’t success
Confidence in providence
Do you ever feel like God may have had a plan for your life at some point in the past, but since you keep messing up he’s probably moved on to someone else to help him accomplish his purposes? If that’s you, think bigger. You should broaden your understanding of God’s… Providence. In short, providence … Continue reading Confidence in providence
I think I can, I think I can…
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). A famous and much-beloved children’s book is called The Little Engine that Could.* You know the one. A big, long train needs to be pulled over the mountain. It needs another train to do it. A large, strong engine refuses. Then another … Continue reading I think I can, I think I can…
Well-grounded people
Do you need wisdom to ground you? To make you more stable? Me too. Fortunately, Jesus’ half-brother James (a prominent leader in the early church), tells us what to do: “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. … Continue reading Well-grounded people
They refine you
In James 1:2-3 we read: “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.” Wow, that’s heavy. But what is a “trial,” anyway? A trial is a difficulty we face on the path of life which, in how … Continue reading They refine you
Dirty windows
Someone shared a newspaper clipping with me.* It told about a young couple who had moved into a new home. Every so often the wife would look out the window and see her neighbour hanging her laundry out to dry. “That laundry is not very clean; she doesn’t know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she … Continue reading Dirty windows
