Ten Life Principles To Live By, From the Book Of James

Even though James, one of the first people to whom Jesus appeared after his resurrection, wrote this book in the first century, it has life principles for today. It is amazing how the inspired Word of God has never lost its relevance through the centuries of time and cultures. Following are ten life principles to live by:

1. Have perseverance and patience through trials and testing. James 1:2-3 says, “Count it all joy when you have trials of various kinds, for know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

2. Seek God’s wisdom. ”If anyone lacks wisdom, ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given (James 1:5). “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3: 15  & 17).

3. Be a good listener and slow to speak. ”Let every person be quick to hear and slow to speak…” (James 1:19). “The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness…staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life. No human being can tame the tongue. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing” (James 3:6-10).

4. True religion goes outside the walls of a church building caring for the needs of the culture while at the same time living holy lives. James 1:27 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this:to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

5. Treat all people with respect and equality. ”Show no partiality as you hold your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. (James 2:1 & 8-9).

6. Show your faith by your works. Faith determines one’s works. “Faith without works is useless. Faith is active along with works. (James 2:20-22). Works do not determine salvation, but result from it.

7. Beware of worldiness. “What causes quarrels and fights among you? Is it not that your passions are at war within you? Do you not know that friendship with world is enmity with God? Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. (James 4:1, 4 & 7-8).

8. Make plans according to the will of God. “You do not know what tomorrow brings. What is your life? Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills we will do this or that.’” (James 4:13-17).

9. Beware of riches. James 5:1-6.

10. Pray with faith. “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:13-18).

Questions:

1. Of all the ten points, which ones do you think Christians need to give the most attention to?
2. Which of these ten points would make the greatest positive impact in our secular culture?

Lord God, help us to follow these principles for life, that we may glorify you and be a light to the world. Amen.