James 3:1-18
3:1 James cautions the souls who want to become teachers of this faith: the responsibility is great, the standards high. There are also religious and spiritual institutions who hire teachers and entrust them with leading others in faith... the advice here is to ensure that the people who are given the responsibility will respect it. That they deserve it and will work studiously to deliver it in a pure and honest manner.
We each are responsible for the way we influence others. A teacher, like a shepherd, leads and influences many and is therefore responsible for many.
3:2 If we are in control of our thoughts, of the ideas and influences we speak out into the world, we are able to maneuver our whole body (our actions). We are able to wield and sustain our ideology. In order to control our thoughts, we must be able to maintain patience and perspective, humility, wisdom justice and impartiality.
3:3 What we put into others' minds becomes that which leads them through life. Therefore, we must lead with honesty and authenticity in faith.
3:4-5 We have the capability of being impactful here for either good or evil. We move mountains (nations, ideas, people) with our beliefs in action. We must be focused and alert in our minds because out of our mouths come our personal ideologies... and our ideologies change the world.
"See how great a forest a little fire kindles!" Nature exemplifies life to us. It is our most present, prominent and honest teacher. The smallest of ideas in action become grand movements: prodding individuals and societies toward change. Little voices send vibrations around the globe when their message is emphatic.
3:6 Similarly, corrupted ideologies spread. People whose minds are unfocused cause chaos in the world. History has shown us that horrible things can come from even just one determined voice. History has also shown us that amazing things can come from even just one determined voice.
If we are aware of how impactful our words in action are here, we can become more conscious of cultivating just and compassionate thoughts. For we know that thoughts turn into actions and as this verse cautions us, some actions corrupt nature... our planet and the life living on it.
3:7-8 This is a (hilariously) true observation about the nature of humanity: we seem to be able to get a pretty good grasp on most things and concepts (even complex ones) but the one thing we really cannot manage to grasp is control over our own expressions. This verse teaches us that it is imperative to do so. To become an observer. A listener. A doer... and to really let the "speaker" part of us rest. We do a lot of damage with our voices. If we recognize this, we can work to become better observers and listeners and doers and thereby improve our communication with the world (which is crucial because here we learn just how impactful what we say can be).
3:9-10 We must be consistent: what we think, say and do must be in unity, otherwise we have no foundation. We have to be conscious of hypocrisy... believing in compassion is to believe that all people deserve it. If you respect God, you must respect His children.
3:11-12 Its a simple law of nature: what is inside of a thing or person or idea is its foundation. One can only produce what one creates and cultivates. If we work to develop focus and control over our minds we subsequently develop the ability to produce focused energy among humanity toward our goals.
3:13 Good works, positive impacts, on the earth are done through wisdom: the wisdom of understanding one's responsibility for ensuring the health and well-being of all life. To understand is to know the natural way of life... which works to sustain all life without partiality. To understand is to put effort behind your beliefs, is to work selflessly, humbly and tirelessly toward humanity's growth in justice. This is spiritual work.
3:14-16 James wants us to understand that deception and manipulation, the forms of knowledge and power which seek to promote only one individual or group are evil. Worldly wisdom such as that is not comparable to spiritual work. To know how to cheat and scheme and lie and control people is not as clever as those people seem to think it is. The truly wise exhibit kindness and humility... and work ethic toward not just their own betterment but the betterment of all. For such people understand the divine law of the nature of life.
3:17 Spiritual wisdom consists of these elements:
- Pure: clear and focused, unbiased and humble directives and motivations in faith
- Peaceable: kindness and acceptance of culture and diversity between individuals and nations
- Gentle: patience and generosity in our interactions with humans, animals and plants
- Willingness to Yield: zealous work ethic toward justice, health and joy
- Mercy: ability to empathize and forgive (those who sincerely request it). If we work to develop the ability to perceive the complexity of individuals and the circumstances of life, we often find empathy where we might have expected to.
- Good Fruits: a contribution to the production of good in the world. Kind acts. Bright smiles. Blessed opportunities. Friendships.
- Impartiality: the ability to impact the earth without selfish motives. Appreciating all life without preference or nepotism.
- Sincerity + Honesty: opposing hypocrisy within ourselves and disallowing it in society. Demanding that self, institution and nation exemplify that which they claim.
3:18 "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." Justice and morality are planted, grown and nourished by peaceful thoughts, words and actions. As figurative planters, we must be mindful of that at all times.
