James is considered a “General Epistle,” and therefore doesn’t get the popularity of aPauline epistle. It’s been the subject of much controversy throughout Church history. Infact, Martin Luther even argued that it shouldn’t be in the Bible. Some might say itcontradicts Paul. But when studied closely, it’s evident that James is a book full ofsupplemental wisdom to Paul’s writings. It is sometimes called “the Proverbs of the NewTestament” because it faithfully reminds Christians how to live. It takes the abstract idea offaith and makes it real and actionable in our lives.
These little holesand twists and gaps in what we believe about faith can manifest themselves in dangerousways in the lives of teenagers. This is where we see anxiety and uncertainty, cynicism anddoubt, arrogance and self-righteousness, despair and loneliness, jealousy andunforgiveness.
In short, while our good works are often praiseworthy in Scripture—pleasing to God and truly good—they do not win for us our heavenly reward.
