Climb on Board!

“Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.” James 1:22

Our September lectionary readings have ended their detour into John’s Gospel, to return to the Gospel of Mark. In our readings from Mark chapters 7-9, we see Jesus during some key transitions in His earthly ministry – rejection of the Pharisees’ “tradition of the elders,” an expanding mission to the Gentiles, and discussion of Jesus’ identity and impending death.

Our September Epistle readings come from the letter attributed to James, the brother of Jesus, who was leader of the followers of Jesus at Jerusalem. The Epistle of James offers a wealth of advice on practical Christian living, and provides a corrective to overly “spiritualized” interpretations of Paul’s writings about “salvation by grace through faith alone.”

An old sermon illustration may provide some insight into the Epistle of James. A spectator at the circus was approached by one of the performers, whose “act” was riding a bicycle for two across a tightrope. The performer asked the spectator, “Do you believe I can carry you across this tightrope?” The spectator, wanting to be polite, said, “Yeah, sure.” The performer responded, “Then climb on board!”

As Christians we profess faith in Jesus. Is our faith only a matter of intellectual assent, a “head trip” with no practical effect on our daily lives. James reminds us, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19) Or is our faith such that we will stake our lives on it? In our faith life, are we spectators or performers.

Jesus invites us on a lifelong journey of discipleship. There will be hazards and times of great danger. Sometimes it will feel like we’re riding a bicycle across a tightrope, not daring to look down. And we will make this precarious journey bearing the weight of the cross of discipleship. But we are promised great reward if we remain faithful.

Do you have faith? Then climb on board!