Lust to Envy

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Do you think that the Scripture says in vain, The Spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy?" James 4:5 (KJV)

The Ethics of James
Introduction
In observance with understanding the background of which the Epistle of James was written and not being entirely sure who wrote it, there is only the actual context of the Bible itself, even the book of James itself, to explain its in-depth meanings. A look into the Christian putting his faith into actions and the difficulties of doing so will prove attention grabbing. Ethical principles are important to discover if one is to fully live the Christian life.
How should James' guidelines be acted upon today?
Wimbush, 1996, specifically discussing a piece by Baker from 1995, Personal Speech-Ethics in the Epistle of James, notes the issue of speaking properly according to the Epistle of James. Wimbush discovered a central theme from the revelation of James:
[…] ethics of morality as applied to interpersonal communication . .. the rights and wrongs of utterance ... when to speak, how to speak, and to whom to speak, as well as when, how, and to whom not to speak. (Wimbush, 1996) Wimbush goes on to explain that the speech-ethics theme in James is so strong that it is central to the interpretation of the revelation. (Wimbush, 1996) (Baker, 1995)
Hiebert, 1978, quoting Froehlich, Kee, and Young, 1965 decisively remarks "The whole epistle is concerned with one simple truth: It is not enough to 'be' a Christian, if this fact does not show in one's conduct." (Hiebert, 1978) (Froehlich, Kee, and Young, 1965, p. 379). True enough. Principally central to Christianity is this truth: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by works is dead.” (James 2:17, Life Application Study Bible-NIV, 1997, LASB) Hiebert says simply, “James insists that a saving faith is a living faith, proving its genuineness by what it does. “ Hiebert, 1978) (Froehlich, Kee. Young, 1965, p. 379)
Address the difficulties of living this way in today’s culture.
Even for believers these are difficult, involved concepts about speech, insomuch as humans have made every effort to separate speech from actions. According to Donelson, 2001, it is not thoughts or words, but actions that indicate beliefs unequivocally. (Donelson, 2001) Urgently, then, one must quicken his thinking regarding this position to shore up with the truths in James, rather than align with religion. Donelson, 2001, further discusses the thematic subject of speech-ethics in James: “The reason our deeds do not match our confessions of faith is that we do not truly believe our confessions. What we believe is fully and completely displayed in what we do.” (Donelson, 2001)
Note there is a specific avenue of deception determined in James: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22, 1997, LASB) This indicates a polarization of “works” and “ faith”. “Commentary on James Chapter 3” proves, “[…] by the wisdom of the word, a man can be made "perfect and entire". Only such a brother will be able to ‘bridle the whole body’ (ecclesia).” One has the ability to control his life by the tongue and its words. Speaking of the believers: “having experienced [God’s] mercy, should lead us to control our tongues, rather than our having to be forced to do so by a bridle”. (“Commentary on James Chapter 3”) Contextually, regarding church leaders, mentioned in James, one must recognize their tremendous power with the spoken word. Leaders, too, can lead about the whole body (of believers).
Conclusion
It is more than obvious the book of James’ revelation is a beautiful summary of how to achieve a blessed Christian life. One must recognize from where his faith comes, put it into action in response to the goodness the Father has first shown him. The natural outcome then by the believer is his operation of faith by showing good works, keeping his tongue in check with the help of the Spirit, and presenting an example of Christ in word and deed to the church and, subsequently, the world.
References
Baker, W. (1995). Personal speech-ethics in the epistle of James. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament. Tubingen: J.C.B. Mohr, pp. xvi-364.
Commentary on the Book of James Chapter 3. (n.d.). From

http://www.bookofjames.info/3.html

Donelson, L., (2001). From Hebrews to Revelation: A theological introduction. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, p. 35.
Froehlich, K., Kee, H., Young, F., (1965). Understanding the New Testament.

Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, p. 379.

Hiebert, D. (1978, July). Unifying theme of the epistle of James. Bibliotheca sacra, 135(539),
221-231. Retrieved September 15, 2009, from ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials database.

Life application study bible: New international version. (1997). (LASB). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Wimbush, V. (1996, June). Personal speech-ethics in the Epistle of James. Theological Studies, 57(2), 343-344. Retrieved September 12, 2009, from ATLA Religion Database with TLASerials database.

Table 1.1 Comparison of James with Romans. From Commentary on the Book of James
Chapter 3. (n.d.). From http://www.bookofjames.info/3.html

WEBPAGE OF THE DAY: http://www.bookofjames.info/3.html