Doers of the Word
page detail from Hebrews, 1611 KJV Bible (Replica Edition) photo by jch
Sermon Series “Through the Bible,” № 82, James 1:22-25
But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. –James 1:22
You may recall that Martin Luther, Father of the Protestant Reformation, called the Letter of James an “epistle of straw.” Luther’s strong feelings against James were rooted in his unique experience: for years, he tried to earn God’s favor before realizing that God’s favor never is earned, and always is a gift. Luther’s teaching is one reason Protestant Christians have focused more on the letters of Paul, and less on the one by James.
Yet, there are good reasons to pay attention to James. The first is the possibility that James was the biological brother of Jesus, the same James who was the head of the Church at Jerusalem. Another good reason to pay attention to James is the fact that his teaching seems consistent with other parts of scripture. When James says, “be doers of the Word,” I think we hear the echo of Jesus, who warned against honoring God only with one’s lips rather than one’s heart. If we were to cut out James from the Bible based on his ethical emphasis, then we would have to consider cutting out Matthew, the prophets, and a good portion of the Law, too.
For James, the quality of faith has much to do with how we act toward other people. He writes about fair and compassionate treatment of the poor, wisdom displayed by careful use of words, and humility proven through a gentle spirit of peacemaking. In context, to be a doer of the word means expressing faith in ways that benefit the larger community, not only in ways that matter to oneself. Faith may begin with private devotion, but must lead to public acts of service.
This congregation has a reasonably good track record of publicly expressing faith through service. We tend not to talk about it for fear that we’ll sound too prideful. But if you’re new around here, or just don’t think much about it, then it’s probably good and helpful to hear or be reminded. Historically, members of this congregation have been especially active in the Glen-Ed Pantry: volunteers at its site, members of its board. They’ve been especially active as volunteers for Faith-in-Action, a local ministry that provides transportation and in-home assistance for seniors and special needs individuals. In more recent years, many have given time to the work of Restore Décor and community projects of the Faith Coalition. Each time you hear a “moment for mission,” there is another potential opportunity for joining with other members and friends in support and service.
James’ emphasis on being “doers of the word” gives us a helpful counterpoint to balance against Paul’s teaching. Paul says that God saves us by grace through faith, but James says such faith is not the end, only the beginning. “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead,” he says …. I by my works will show you my faith.” James reminds us not to neglect the works part.
Back in the early 1980s, I admired the evangelical preacher Chuck Swindoll, who told a simple story about putting words into action that is one of the best I’ve heard. He said, Let’s pretend that you work for me. You are my assistant in a growing company. I’m the owner and I’m interested in expanding overseas. To pull this off, I make plans to travel and stay until the new branch office gets established. I make all the arrangements to (live there, and I leave you in charge. I’ve invested a lot of time and resources in you, and I’m confident you have what you need to do the job). I tell you that I will write you regularly and give you direction and instructions. Months pass. A flow of letters are mailed and received by you at the national headquarters. I spell out all my expectations.
Finally, I return. Soon after my arrival I drive down to the office. I am stunned! Grass and weeds have grown up high. A few windows along the street are broken. I walk into the receptionist’s room and she is doing her nails, chewing gum, and listening to her favorite (radio) station. I look around and notice the waste baskets are overflowing, the carpet hasn’t been vacuumed for weeks …. I ask about your whereabouts and someone in the crowded lounge area points down the hall and yells, “I think he’s down there.” Disturbed, I move in that direction and bump into you as you are finishing a chess game with our sales manager.
I ask you to step into my office (which has been temporarily turned into a viewing room for watching afternoon (TV).“What in the world is going on, man?” “What do ya’ mean…?” “Well, look at this place! Didn’t you get any of my letters?” “Letters? Oh, yeah—sure, got every one of them. As a matter of fact… we have had letter study every Friday night since you left. We have even divided all the personnel into small groups (and committees) and discussed (what) you wrote. Some of those things were really interesting. You’ll be pleased to know that a few of us have actually committed to memory some of your sentences and paragraphs. … Great stuff in those letters!” “Okay, okay—you got my letters, you studied them and meditated on them, discussed and even memorized them. BUT WHAT DID YOU DO ABOUT THEM?” “Do? Uh—we didn’t do anything.”[1]
God has richly gifted us; our support and service make a meaningful difference in addressing critical needs of our church and community. Thanks to all of you who already do so much! May we always feel God’s guidance and strength to show our faith in good works. May we be doers of the word.
NOTES
[1] A version appeared in “Improving Your Serve,” by Charles Swindoll.
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