What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do

1. Trials are opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity

"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."

Trials refine character. James encourages believers to view difficulties as chances to develop perseverance and spiritual maturity. Rather than despairing in hardships, Christians should recognize God's refining work in their lives.

Joy in suffering. This counterintuitive approach transforms our perspective on trials. Instead of merely enduring, we can actively embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. This attitude shift allows us to find purpose and meaning in our struggles.

Practical application: When facing trials, ask:

• What can I learn from this situation?
• How might this difficulty strengthen my faith?
• What character qualities is God developing in me through this?

2. Resist temptation through faith and reliance on God's wisdom

"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed."

Understand temptation's source. James clarifies that temptation originates from our own sinful desires, not from God. Recognizing this helps us take responsibility for our choices and seek God's help in overcoming temptation.

God's wisdom as defense. By relying on God's wisdom and truth, we can counter the deceptive allure of temptation. James emphasizes that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith.

Steps to resist temptation:

• Identify your personal weaknesses and triggers
• Memorize relevant Scripture to combat specific temptations
• Seek accountability from trusted fellow believers
• Pray for strength and wisdom in moments of weakness

3. Be doers of the Word, not just hearers

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

Active faith. James emphasizes that true faith is not passive knowledge but active obedience. Merely listening to or studying God's Word without applying it to our lives is self-deception.

Transformation through application. When we put God's Word into practice, it transforms our character and actions. This lived-out faith authenticates our beliefs and impacts those around us.

Practical ways to be a doer:

• After reading Scripture, identify one specific action you can take
• Regularly assess your life against biblical teachings
• Seek opportunities to serve others and meet practical needs
• Share what you're learning with others, which reinforces application

4. Avoid favoritism and discrimination in the church

"If you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors."

Equality in Christ. James condemns favoritism based on wealth, status, or appearance within the church. All believers are equal before God, and the church should reflect this divine perspective.

Impartial love. Showing favoritism contradicts God's impartial love and the royal law of loving your neighbor as yourself. It undermines the unity and witness of the church.

Practical steps to combat favoritism:

• Consciously welcome and include those different from you
• Examine your own biases and prejudices
• Encourage diversity in church leadership and ministries
• Address instances of discrimination promptly and lovingly

5. True faith is demonstrated through actions

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Living faith. James argues that genuine faith inevitably produces good works. A professed belief that doesn't impact one's actions is not true, saving faith.

Balance of faith and works. While we are saved by faith alone, true faith is never alone – it always results in a changed life. Our good works don't save us but demonstrate the reality of our faith.

Examples of faith in action:

• Caring for those in need (widows, orphans, the poor)
• Standing firm in the face of persecution or trials
• Demonstrating integrity in business and personal relationships
• Actively participating in the life and ministry of the church

6. Control your tongue to reflect godly wisdom

"But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

Power of words. James vividly illustrates the immense influence our speech has, both for good and evil. Our words have the power to bless or curse, build up or tear down.

Divine help needed. Recognizing our inability to fully control our speech on our own, we must rely on God's help to use our words wisely and glorify Him through our speech.

Practical tips for taming the tongue:

• Think before you speak
• Practice active listening
• Use words to encourage and build others up
• Avoid gossip and slander
• Speak the truth in love

7. Seek heavenly wisdom over earthly knowledge

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."

Contrasting wisdoms. James distinguishes between worldly wisdom, characterized by envy and selfish ambition, and heavenly wisdom, which produces good fruit and righteous living.

Characteristics of godly wisdom. True wisdom from God is marked by purity, peace-loving, consideration, submission, mercy, impartiality, and sincerity. These qualities should be evident in the lives of believers.

Cultivating heavenly wisdom:

• Study and meditate on God's Word regularly
• Seek counsel from mature believers
• Practice humility and teachability
• Apply biblical principles to daily decisions
• Pray for discernment and understanding

8. Cultivate humility and resist worldly desires

"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Humility attracts grace. James emphasizes that God opposes the proud but freely gives grace to the humble. Cultivating humility is essential for spiritual growth and receiving God's favor.

Worldly desires breed conflict. James identifies selfish ambitions and worldly pleasures as sources of conflict, both internally and in relationships. Resisting these desires promotes peace and unity.

Steps towards humility:

• Acknowledge your dependence on God
• Serve others without seeking recognition
• Accept correction and criticism graciously
• Celebrate others' successes
• Confess your sins and shortcomings regularly

9. Submit your plans to God's will

"Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'"

Recognizing God's sovereignty. James cautions against presumptuous planning that ignores God's will. We should humbly acknowledge that our lives and futures are in God's hands.

Balancing planning and trust. While it's good to make plans, we must hold them loosely and be open to God's direction. This attitude demonstrates faith and reliance on God's wisdom.

Practical application:

• Pray for guidance in decision-making
• Seek godly counsel when making significant plans
• Be flexible and open to changes in your plans
• Regularly evaluate your goals in light of God's Word
• Trust God's timing and purposes, even when plans change

10. Practice sincere prayer in all circumstances

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Power of prayer. James emphasizes the effectiveness of earnest prayer, using the example of Elijah to illustrate how ordinary people can see extraordinary results through faithful prayer.

Prayer in various situations. Whether in trouble, sickness, or joy, prayer should be our first response. James encourages believers to pray for one another, especially for healing and confession of sins.

Cultivating a vibrant prayer life:

• Set aside regular times for prayer
• Keep a prayer journal to record requests and answers
• Pray Scripture back to God
• Practice both personal and corporate prayer
• Approach God with reverence and confidence in His character

Last updated: October 12, 2024