We’ve covered quite a bit of ground in addressing the ingredients found in the Secret Sauce available to every Submissive Leader.
Now we’ll turn to the Book of James and see what Jesus’ half-brother has to say on the subject.
This letter is addressed to all the first-century Christian churches as they made the transition in their new-found faith in Christ.
James’ short and succinct letter is one of my favorites in the New Testament, but it’s also a hard one for me to swallow personally.
Let me briefly explain my comment. This elder of the early Christian Church in Jerusalem addresses two of my greatest faults: uncontrolled anger and a too often loose tongue.
There are times when I slip and find myself quite disappointed in my lack of control in these two areas, which I know displeases and grieves my Lord.
I also know the Holy Spirit is quite capable of taking control of these human flaws.
This is one of the great battles I face way too often. I trust in time with God’s help I’ll overcome these weaknesses in my identity.
Then again, we’ll be dwelling in other parts of this letter of spiritual instruction as we move forward.
Let’s first turn to James 2:12-13 and listen to James’ instruction on mercy:
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”
That exclamation point certainly emphasizes the principle that we must not judge others, lest we suffer the consequence of the Lord’s judgment.
That includes judging my shortcomings with anger and a loose tongue! Let the Creator of this universe be the Judge and thank Him for His mercy.
Imagine growing up in Nazareth with an older brother named Jesus. That’s what James and all his brothers and sisters had to experience.
Their half-brother lived a sinless life and I suspect they were all envious of how He was treated in the family.
After the resurrection of the Messiah, we know that James and Jude both followed The Way, and their letters are part of the Holy Scriptures.
Yet, I imagine there may well have been some envy and unbelief during Jesus’ three-plus-year ministry.
With that note, let’s move to James 3:17-18 and consider the writer’s words on heavenly wisdom:
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peace makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
I can think of no greater spiritual ingredient than the gift of heavenly wisdom!
James does talk about the importance of submitting to God and resisting the devil.
Here’s James 4:7-8 for your pleasure and consideration:
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
That’s good advice that we all must take to heart!
We’ll soon be wrapping up this topic in Part VII. There’s much more that could be written, but this will suffice for now.
It’s good to look deeply into the Secret Sauce available to the Submissive Leader! May you draw nearer to Him as you go through this wonderful and challenging life.