James series – “The Litmus Test for life”

James 5:12

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

As we continue in our series “The Litmus Test for Life” we come to the 11th test, “The Integrity Test.” Like the other tests we’ve looked at this one is a pass / fail test. Unlike our culture when it comes to integrity Christ does not grade on a curve, it’s not multiple choice. Today we have a culture that is trying to grade character on a curve but as believers we are called to look and live like Christ. Like the other tests that we have taken it reveals whether our faith is real or not. But unlike the previous tests, this one is only one verse, it is short, sweet and to the point. God calls us to be people of integrity so that our talk matches our walk. Because when our words match our walk we are a Godly witness to a watching world. But when they don’t our life reflects a lie. My prayer as we take the integrity test is that our words and our walk will be a Godly witness that will point people to Jesus. The dictionary defines integrity – “as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.” So let me ask you a question, Have you ever lied? If there was ever a sin for which the phrase, “everybody does it” was true, it would have to be the sin of lying. The thing that makes it so shocking is not that lying happens. Lying has always happened. It’s how it has become so increasingly accepted as normal, to the point where it’s not just prominent but praiseworthy. But just because our culture calls it acceptable doesn’t mean that Christ does. Preacher and author John MacArthur, said this about the prevalence and popularity of lying in our society today. He said, “Our society is built on a framework of lies, leading one to wonder whether our social structure would survive if everyone were forced to speak the truth for even one day.”20 years ago Jim Carry stared in a movie that considered this very idea. In the movie “Liar, Liar”, Jim Carry plays a lawyer who is particularly good at stretching the truth. After promising, and then breaking his promise, to show up at his five-year-old son’s birthday party, the son wishes that his dad would be able to only say the truth for one day. The promise comes true and Jim’s character wakes up not being able to tell even the smallest of lies. Needless to say, this turns his world upside down, both personally and professionally. When Jim’s character founds out that it was his son’s wish that was behind his inability to lie he says, “No one can survive in the adult world if they have to stick to the truth.” Do you think that’s true? For many people lying is a way of life, instead of seeing it as sin its seen as a skill. But while it may be the prevailing thought of our current culture it’s not what Christ taught.

James series – “The Litmus Test for life”

James 5:7-11

⁷ Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. ⁸ You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. ⁹ Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! ¹⁰ Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.¹¹ As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

After seeing the practice of patience and the product of patience we now see:

3. The Picture of patience. 

James points us to the picture of patience, men and women who trusted Jesus in the trials. Patience has a cloud of witnesses. Phillips Brooks was a great preacher in New England during the 19th century. He was nationally known for his sermons against slavery and His sermon on the death of Abraham Lincoln moved an entire the nation. His Yale lectures on preaching are still widely read and taught today. But you will know him best for a simple Christmas song that he wrote, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Even though he was very well known powerful preacher he still struggled to patiently trust. One day a friend saw him pacing back and forth in his study like a caged lion. His friend asked him what the trouble was. His reply was classic. This great man of God who seemed to have it all together said, “The trouble is, I am in a hurry. But God isn’t.” We always have to remember that the best of men are just men at best. But even recognizing that, God has given us wonderful examples of people who have passed the patience test. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with patience the race marked out for us.” Why do we need to read God ‘s Word because in it we find the faithful testimony of men and women who under pressure have practiced patiently waiting on God. The kind of patience James is highlighting here is patience in the face of persecution and suffering. That’s why he points to Job, who patiently waited on God, even though he had lost everything. Verse 11 reminds us not to focus on the current challenge but on Christs conclusion. Don’t focus on the current problems focus on the future promise. So often we get our eyes on the junk instead of on Jesus. Patience protects us from having a pity party because we are reminded that God has the final say not your problems. Job was patient and steadfast despite his tremendous sufferings and in the end he experienced God’s grace and mercy. Where is your patience? Is it like Phillips Brooks? Are you always in a hurry even when God isn’t? Have you learned to wait on God? Not waiting by sitting on your hands and doing nothing. But waiting on God by working in the light He’s given you? Are you displaying patience like a farmer does? Patiently preparing for the coming harvest. Do all the work you can, the best way you can and trust God for the results. That’s patience. Are you providing a picture of patience or a picture of panic? Is how you are currently trusting pointing people to worship Jesus or worry about the junk? Parents are you modeling patience for your kids, more things are caught than taught. Jesus is coming back. How will He find you when He returns?