Continuing on Toward Perfection: James 1:4

I have been working on a new book of Scripture to be translating.  To end this summer, I have begun work through the book of James.  The book of James was written for the purpose of instructing the diaspora Jews (those that left the area of Israel to a new land) to teach them the practices of Christianity.  Much of the book covers characteristics of work.  Martin Luther was in disagreement with the book of James because of it's strong emphasis on work that he felt it missed out on the teachings of faith. 

In the introduction of the book of James, the writer starts by identifying himself as James as well as stating the purpose of the book to "the twelve tribes scattered among the nations" (1:1).  Following this brief introduction, the writer proceeds to emphasize the necessity of trials and temptations.  These, according the James, produce perseverance (v. 3).  This verse then leads into verse 4 that speaks of growing in perseverance.

The NIV translates verse 4 to say, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  This verse seems to describe the importance of growth.  Growth that must reach a point of perfection.  The Greek word for "perfect" is teleion which is used twice in this verse.  Both times the NIV translates this word as "finish" and "mature." 

This word, teleion, speaks of the Wesleyan idea of sanctification.  Sanctification is a process that also happens in an instant, or what John Wesley called a "crisis point."  According to Wesley, sanctification was a continued process in life.  Even when we are sanctified by God's grace, we continue to grow.  As we apply this aspect of sanctification to this verse, we can see that Wesley agrees with what James writes about.

Sanctification is about growing and persevering through the tough times of life by living obediently to God's Word.  This growth sooner or later reaches a point where we are made "mature and complete."  However, it does not end there.  Our work continues on as we continue to "not to be lacking in anything" (v.4). 

Many people unfortunately misunderstand the concept of perfection.  We think that once we reach this point of perfection that we do not need to grow, or we think that we are done living in obedience.  This is not what sanctification is about, but it is about walking with Christ and realizing that you want nothing more than to be with Christ and to know about Him.  Sanctification is not something that we look to and hope will happen as we try and work for it, it is something that happens by the grace of God work in relationship with us.

James later goes on to mention about finding wisdom.  Wisdom is what we are to seek as we seek a relationship with the Lord to be with.

Inspiring Creativity

Human imagination is a fascinating aspect of life.  As children begin to grow, their minds begin to develop, and even at a young age they make drawings (or scribbles) out of their imagination.  They see something, or someone they love, and they try to bring that certain thing to life in their drawings.  I personally love art.  Art is a huge part of imagination and beauty that is able to articulate things in a variety of ways.

Our imaginations are absolutely incredible and are capable of so much.  Art is not the only thing that our creativity can be revealed in.  Our very lives are a beautiful creative act by God that created the world out of nothing.  I like to imagine that the beginning of the world began also in a creative process of imagination.

In the beginning, when God created, humankind was created.   Now, humans were the last thing to be created in the story of the Bible.  So, humans had the ability to find out what everything else is used for.  This is also a continued process of our world today.  Just read books about physics, biology, and various other areas of science.  When the man picked up a set of blueberries to eat, he probably noticed the color of blue that came from the fruit.  The woman maybe then saw some beautiful yellow flowers and not only noticed the amazing aroma of the flower, but how the color may be mixed with this blueberry to make something new!

We all have the ability to be creative.  It’s amazing to realize that this is also the plan for humankind to pursue.  For example, Genesis 2: 15 say’s “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”  For scholars, this not only defines a theology of work, but creativity that God invites humankind to be a part of.  To work with the earth, to create, to work alongside with as we begin to make our beautiful imaginations come to life.

Some have unfortunately taken this verse to say that we can create whatever we want.  Humans can create anything as long as it provides for us.  We can kill anything, destroy anything, and make the world our way.  This is not what I believe God’s intent for creation was, nor is it a healthy view to take.  Humans are to work alongside the rest of creation by creating.  What I mean by that is we must be careful how much of the earth’s resources we use and how much we destroy for our own good.

A book that I am glad I got is called The Pocket Scavenger.  This is a book that involves looking for things that we may not notice every day.  Then, once we find these things, we make something new out of it.  For example, one thing you are to find is a piece of red string.  After you find this string, you flip the book over and turn to a random page and do whatever it says.  Like, make a creature out of it, smear something on it, or combine it with something else.

What I really love about this book is allowing the ability to see something beautiful out of everything in life.  Not only to see that thing because of its beauty, but to then add your own creative imagination to it.  Humanity is such a creative group.  Let’s allow our imaginations to run wild, to create beautiful things from everyday life.  To be creatures that participates in this amazing plan of God to be creative with alongside God and other creatures.