Because I have a “been there, done that” relationship with legalism, I know that those who feel compelled to promote a particular doctrine or denomination love the book of James—at least a few verses in that book.  For instance:  “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves….But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing” (James 1:22, 25); or, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can that faith save him?…But someone will say ‘You have faith and I have works.’  Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.  You believe that God is one; you do well.  Even the demons believe—and shudder!…For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:14, 18-19, 26).

Many use these verses to support their particular doctrine or tenet, as well as to counteract what one might consider an inordinate amount of grace, about which the apostle Paul seems to write.  Yet there is no contradiction between these two apostolic writers.  For instance:

• James wrote: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…”, and Paul writes, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…” (Ephesians 5:15-19).

• James instructs: “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing”, and Paul writes, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1-4).

• James sounds fairly severe when he writes “faith without works is dead”, yet Paul affirms, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12, 13). Though “fear and trembling” may imply uncertainty or insecurity, Paul also instructs the Philippian Christians “do not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6), and he began his letter by acknowledging, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

I am aware of people who completely avoid the book of James because of the tactics and abuses of some who use these verses to promote a particular dogma; sadly, they are missing out on an amazing handbook for Christian life.  Listen to the practicality of these verses:

• “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” (1:5, 6).
• “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (1:12).
• “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (1:19, 20).
• “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and windows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (1:26, 27).
• “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (5:7, 8).

We are in the midst of intense spiritual battle and Paul reminds us that God gave the apostles (and prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers) to equip the saints for the works of the ministry, to build up the body of Christ—to attain “to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God…so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:13, 14).  Many of us have experienced first-hand the bending and twisting of scripture to form compelling doctrines; however, it is important that we do not avoid scriptures that make us uncomfortable—rather, that we spend time in prayer and study of God’s Word, with the empowering, enlightening Holy Spirit instructing us and guiding our understanding.