No longer does this word carry positive overtones, rather, now, quite negative connotations. You say, “please”, when you need help and admit that you cannot accomplish the task at hand on your own. It may be seen as weak and feeble. “Please, sir, can you help me?” There is, almost, a desperation implied that one is hanging from the edge of cliff.

(Oh, the joys of ranting…) I could say more but it would just be nothing more than a rant. At the end of the day, “please” is still highly appreciated. I, still, do think though that there is a decline in manners and respectfulness in society and I would hope that each one of us would not forget that we do relate and communicate with other people in this world and that it does not revolve around us.

A common misconception about Christianity and faith in God is that is the miracle cure to whatever problem you might have. So very, very wrong! As we’ve seen through the introduction of James, life is one of trials and hardship for those who faith in God. Let the hard times roll! It’s almost the slogan for the Christian.

However, the misconception goes further to say that God is the bad guy. All this stuff, it’s all God’s fault. Well, in some ways, it is. God, ultimately, is in control and all-powerful. Without getting too deep into why bad things happen if God is such a loving God, just imagine loving parents who don’t ever discipline, scold, allow their children to be released into the harsh realities of the real world. (If you want me to talk about it more, ask and I’ll put in on the list for my next series.)

James says:

When tempted no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone…

James seems to provide a fairly logical explanation, but I gather for most people these days it just doesn’t cut it. I could rant about why people don’t like an explanation James gives but I’ll contain myself. The logic that an all-powerful God who claims to love humanity yet doesn’t lift a finger to remove injustice and suffering doesn’t sit well with a lot of people. Yet, ironically, on the flipside, people cannot come to terms with submitting control of their world to this all-powerful God. It’s a vicious never-ending cycle that the human mind will never comprehend and accept.

The simple truth that James states is God is not evil. God may have been the creator of all things, but He himself is not evil. I heard a great explanation of what evil is - that is, the absence of God. Where God is not, Satan stands in God’s place and assumes influence where God is no longer. Though, it must be said, Christians face temptations and it is only by the permission and allowance given by the all-powerful God (see the story of Job) where temptation and hardship are allowed.

I keep edging to answer the question of why an all-powerful God would allow such things but this will end up being an essay. In short, the simple answer is faith. Faith is an act of trust that this all-powerful God knows what He’s doing and that, while painful, in the end has the best intention in mind for each and every person. Now, it’s up to each and every person to accept that fact and place their trust, place their faith, in God and allow Him to work His wonders in their lives. Beyond that, I can’t expect to satisfy any desire to have an answer to the question.

Next time I’ll be look at source of temptation.

What makes it even more weird is my first class will have a revision test to go with it…? Something wrong me…I think so. What can I say though? For once, I actually want to go back to school.

Though I must admit, there is a bit more to it than the actually study itself. The reality is that I’m the sort of person who needs a balance in life. Too much of one thing and I’ll just tip over. These holidays have been anything but balanced and I’ve noticed it’s affect on me. Though I may not love my academic study, it provides me with a balance between my social life, my work life and all the rest.

If there is something that I think is sorely lacking in our fast-paced, material-based, individualistic society it is balance. A balance between work, play and rest. Honestly, school probably would have worked better for me if the holidays weren’t so long. Though I know I would dread the thought of it, I think it would be true. I’m horrible at self-study so don’t even bring up the idea of studying during holidays (which I’ve been doing, mind you).

With the first day of a new semester coming, I should probably get some sleep. One more glance at my notes for the test tomorrow and off to bed. Signing off, good night.

As our faith is tested, proven and set in perspective, James then says:

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James seems to bind together the various things that he has been talking about in this sentence. The need for faith to be tested and proven; seen in the true light of godly perspective. These James has covered in his previous verses. After all these things, James says, one is then approved through the giving of the crown of life.

As I look back through my own life, I have no doubt that there have been trials and tests of faith. Yet, a question that has always been in my mind is whether I am truly worthy of the crown of life James talks about. For all the “good” and “success” that my life has reaped, it has also produced much rubbish that simply negates and even at times overwhelms any sense of goodness that I have achieved. All the same, the promise of God is, to those who seek after Him and love Him, one of grace and mercy. Even James’ words have in mind God’s grace and mercy which gives perseverance in trial and strength to stand in testing times.

What is the crown of life? It is no less than the gift of eternal life. The promise of spending the days of life in the presence of our Holy God and Father. The idea of spending eternity with God can seem somewhat dull without a full understanding and perspective of God. Further, as James mentions, it has no appeal to those who have no love for God. When there is an understanding, a knowledge, a relationship with the Almighty God, nothing less that spending time in His presence could satisfy the believer.

I find it sad that, the truth is, many of us, myself included, find it difficult and straining at times to be satisfied with spending time with our Heavenly Father. To wake up in the morning and our first desire is to spend time in relationship with Him; to desire to open His Word - the Bible - and hear His voice; to fall to our knees and open in communication with Him; to simply bask in His presence. On the human level is completely illogical; people in a loving, deep relationship simply desire to spend time with one another. People spend time with that which they treasure most. As a reflection, the question should be asked whether, truly, God is our treasure?

Yet, in all this, God still approves of us. Out of His grace and mercy, out of the depth of His love, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the opportunity to be in relationship with us. To remove us of the stain which hindered that relationship - that is, sin. It blows my mind, it does every time I think about it that our God loves us so much and would desire to reach out to us in the most unimaginable way - through the death of His only Son. To me, it says that God doesn’t approve us because we love Him or that we’ve proved ourselves, rather, it says that God approves us because He first loved us.

Amazing, isn’t it? For all that we do and all that we are, it is all because of Him. In the gospel of John, Jesus paints this picture of what life is like in comparison to a grape vine. We are branches and Jesus Himself is the vine. Unless the branches are connected to that vine, they are dead. In the end, it’s all about Him.