His Lord’s slave

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: 
Greetings.” James 1:1

If there is anyone in history that could legitimately name-drop, it would be Jesus’ half-brother, James. Surprisingly though, James doesn’t introduce himself as an apostle or even make the familiar connection as someone with the authority to write to his fellow believers. He calls himself a “servant” of God and Christ, a man bound to his Master, body and soul. He isn’t a volunteer or an executive in Christ’s business. He is his Lord’s slave. This echoes Jesus’ humble claim to do nothing on his own but only what he sees the Father doing (John 5:19, 30). With this introduction, James appeals as an equal to his readers, believing Jews who have been displaced from their homes and families.

Questions

• How do you view your relationship with Christ Jesus or the Father? Which of these words applies best: “volunteer,” “citizen,” “employee,” “slave,” “fan,” or “friend”?
• Do you see your faith as an effort to appease God’s demands or as an exercise of love for him?
• How would your life change if you began to think of yourself of a servant of God?
• How would your life change if humility were your dominant characteristic?

Pray

God, you have called us sheep in your flock, friends, brothers and sisters, and even heirs with Christ. What glorious honor we have in these roles, but this week, we bow our heads as your humble servants. We humble ourselves under your mighty hand, giving you all of our worries and fears, knowing you will honor us at the right time. Open our eyes to any pride we keep holding on to so that we may surrender it and seek you above ourselves. Open our ears to the believers around us so that we may join them in serving you.