Sermon
If Martin Luther had his way, we would not be reading James from the Bible. Alternately called a book or a letter, the message in James did not conform to Luther's theology. Luther did finally include James in his Bible, but Luther relegated it to after the New Testament as something good to read and useful but not inspired by God.
One of the main things he objected to from this letter from James was the emphasis by James on faith by works. Our faith alone doesn't mean anything unless we DO things. What good works have you done? For Luther, the important thing was our faith, not deeds.
We can point to this disagreement as an object lesson about context. James was writing to Jesus followers in the diaspora. James wanted his readers to remember all that they had learned in Christ and live consistent with that knowledge. The evidence of living in a way consistent with their knowledge of Christ would be what they did with their knowledge. Much like we as individuals hope to live our lives according to our faith.
Martin Luther completely rejected that theology of James' because by the time Martin Luther was writing times had changed drastically. In Luther's time, the Catholic church was raising money for it's new cathedrals by selling everything – you could purchase indulgences, favors, that would somehow put you closer to God. The authority of the Church and the Pope was out of control. Martin Luther rejected the idea that anything besides Scripture held any authority over Christians. The notion that anyone could DO anything, pay enough money, help the right people, in order to become a better Christian was anathema to Luther, and he said so. In 95 Theses he said so. While it was never his intention to fracture the Catholic church, nevertheless that is what happened.
James and Martin Luther were both right. They were both valid responses to the world around them and had a message for their own times. You and I and our path to the Presbyterian Church is simply a matter of which path we took at each turn throughout history.
Today, I see the message of this text as overarching all of that. While the book of James consists of many exhortations to particular behaviors that individuals should keep in mind, the final outcome he wished for was for people to learn to live in community, “unstained by the ways of the world.”
Admonitions in the Bible written to new Christ-followers, have always been about community. Some of the imperatives are directed toward individuals, but the ultimate reason has always been in service of how to be a community together. That's one of the reasons our scripture is living scripture, and we worship a living God. Christ brought us a life that is constantly engaging and is timeless. And how are we supposed to live in community?
Unstained by the ways of the world. When I first read that I read “unSUStained by the ways of the world.” I thought to myself, “I'll say!” The ways of the world exhaust me, and when I'm at my wits end I feel very UN-SUStained by the ways of the world.” And then like Gilda Radner's “never mind” back in the 70's, I read it again.
Unstained. How I would love to be unstained by the ways of the world. What does that mean for you? A stain is a mark that changes things. It's a problem. It's something we want to get rid of. What ways of the world stain you?
Do we think of ourselves as individuals too much? How do we balance independence and proud accomplishments with on the other hand being part of a team, or a family, or a community; or on the other hand needing help?
Are we too materialistic at times? We all need nouns. Things. How do we balance what we need with what we want? It's okay to want and to receive that special treat, and to live that good life.
Are we self indulgent? How do we balance our love of excess with the notion that we all don't have equal opportunity? How do we balance our own self care that includes an ice cream cone with wanting to eliminate the debt of Third World Countries, or at least feed the homeless person on the corner?
What about the stain of being a perfectionist? A workaholic?
I think the bottom line when it comes to balancing our needs with our stains is that we cannot be judgmental. We can be self-reflective and search our hearts. We can look in the mirror and walk away and not forget what we saw. In the best of circumstances we will then come away with a little motivation and not too much self-abasement. In the same way then we will know how to be non-judgmental toward others. God has shown us grace so that we also may show others grace. Whatever else scripture reminds us of today about being quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, and other specific behaviors, James offers us one more thing. Do not deceive your hearts. Have integrity. Have your inside match your outside.
I had a roommate in college who responded to my request for advice by saying, “You know.” I wanted to scream, “Would you stop that!” They were suggesting to me that if I asked myself, from a deep enough place, I would find the answer that only I could decide for myself.
We can do that. It is a spiritual discipline to be reflective. The Spirit brings us that implanted word that has the power of God. That power of God that will make us better people, that ill make us better disciples, make us better neighbors and a better community.
Amen.