Uncommon Sense: The Wisdom of James for Dispossessed Believers

by James T. South

Wisdom is the dominant theme of James’ letter-and it is difficult to imagine a greater or more important theme for readers today who live in a world that seems almost totally devoid of wisdom. Throughout the history of our country, Christians have enjoyed a majority status and the deference that goes with it, but that circumstance has changed dramatically in recent years. Being a Christian has shifted from being an asset to being a liability (socially speaking), with many associating our faith with bigotry, hypocrisy, and a judgmental spirit-and the situation doesn’t seem likely to change in the foreseeable future. This means that Christians must learn to live according to our marginalized status and to do so with all the wisdom God supplies, so that we not only hold firmly to our convictions but do so in a manner that causes others to see Jesus in us in spite of their prejudices. That’s what it means to be dispossessed, and it is why James’ message is so vital for our times.

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