Become More Like Jesus

As we start this week James is reminding us of what we received when we first came to Christ. He writes in vv. 17-18: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” In other words, there is nothing that comes from God that is not good and God is good all the time. If I were to say “God is good;” what would your reply be? That’s right – “All the time” and “All the time;” “God is good.” That is why James points out that God does not change like “shifting shadows.” Everything is in a constant state of change on this earth. It may not seem that way, but it’s true. Everything from relationships to solid rock change over time; the only One who does not change is God. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And for us to know that fully He gave us “new birth” by our belief in and acceptance of Jesus as our Savior. Then James calls us “a kind of firstfruits of all He created.” In Jesus’ time as harvest time drew near the firstfruits of that came in were taken and offered in grateful sacrifice to God. These belonged to God and were offered to insure a plentiful harvest. As we make our offerings to God, whether weekly, monthly, or however you do it, we are continuing this concept. The firstfruits of our labors are given to God, because without Him we would have nothing.

When you are talking with someone and they are trying to make a point with you (and it doesn’t matter what the subject is), do you prefer that they “himmyhaw” around eventually getting to the point or that they come directly to the point? I don’t know about you, but I prefer they come directly to the point instead of going around it forever. After James makes his opening statements, he goes right into how we should be doing with our lives as Christians. He doesn’t talk about any kind of theological interpretations, he jumps right in. That is what the rest of our reading this morning is all about. He’s saying when we are Christians this is how we should act: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: 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. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” “The word planted in you;” how are we going to be the firstfruits of God if we ignore Jesus who came to save us.