Bible 204: James Part IV

James 3:12-4:8a

GIFTS

Of all the gifts you’ve ever received > which has been the best?

Think carefully before you answer > which has been the best gift?

Isn’t if often true that the best gifts are the simplest?

One of the good gifts of my life is the Lectionary

There are days when I wish I didn’t believe so strongly in following the Lectionary

If I didn’t follow the Lectionary, then I could omit those passages I didn’t like

I could ignore the verses that make me take a closer look at my own life

I could preach only on the comforting passages > the ones that promise an easy life

Wouldn’t that be grand? Only “good news” in the Bible!

But I have received this gift of the Lectionary

And have committed to following it > at least most of the time

And what we have before us today does not sound like good news!

In other words > now James has quit preaching and gone to meddling!

Before we get too defensive (or maybe “before I get too defensive”) . . .

. . . let’s review what James wrote before he got to this point

GIFT OF JAMES’ LETTER

James did not write to one specific person

(That bit of information helps! At least I know he didn’t have me in mind when he began!)

James begins by greeting the Twelve Tribes of the Dispersion

i.e., the original “Jews for Jesus”

those who were probably born Jewish and had become followers of Christ

and who had dispersed throughout countries around the Mediterranean Sea

James knew the Christian life is difficult to live in non-Christian surroundings

So he urged them to persevere

“Challenges will help you grow into mature Christians . . .

Do don’t give up too soon > don’t let the turkeys get you down!”

Then he urged them to put their faith into action > “Match your belief with kindness!”

And he told them to be careful with their words > “Watch what you say . . .

“You can tame a tiger, but you cannot tame a tongue.”

Actually, I guess, James started meddling LAST week!

Our tongues get us all into more trouble than we can handle!

Even though we may think he’s meddling

James’ letter really is a gift to us > fairly simple gift, but a gift nevertheless

GIFT OF THE SHAKERS

Once there was a group of people dedicated to living a simple life and giving simple gifts

They didn’t live in Jerusalem > and they didn’t live in Jesus’ and James’ time

Hundreds of miles separated them from Jerusalem >

hundreds of centuries separated them from Jesus and James

Called United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing

They lived in England during last half of 18^th century (late 1700s)

Always lots of “end of the world” groups as one century gives way to another

One group of radical millenialists splintered from Quakers in Manchester , England

Intense passion marked their worship services >began to be called “Shaking Quakers”

Best known belief was emphasis on simplicity in their daily lives

Simplicity was seen as vital to building a truly selfless and spiritual community

Some of their beliefs changed as the leadership changed

As their beliefs changed

became so radical that they referred to the Church as “Antichrist”

Other Christians began to harass them because of their different views

Persecution was so great that they left England and moved to New York in 1774

In “ New World ” they gained converts > spread somewhat

At peak between 1830 and 1840 > 6,000 Shakers in 19 communities

Many of their practices caused them to decline in numbers [primarily celibacy]

Today there are only three Shaker communities > they admit no new members

Won’t be long before they are gone completely > except for their museums

The Shakers have left quite a legacy, though

One legacy is their woodworking

Shaker furniture and Shaker boxes well known

Simple in style and durable in construction > real treasures > real gifts

Other legacy is their music

Most famous is called “Simple Gifts”

SIMPLE GIFTS [Kathy play the tune]

‘Tis the gift to be simple, Refrain:

‘tis the gift to be free When true simplicity is gained

‘tis the gift to come down where you ought to be, To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed

And when we find ourselves in the place just right, To turn, turn will be our delight,

It will be in the valley of love and delight. ‘Til by turning, turning we come round right

'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say, Refrain

'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,
'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we'll all live together with a love that is real. Refrain

SIMPLE GIFTS FOR US

It’s a shame the Shakers had such radical other views that they were all but driven off face of earth

I believe their core beliefs were true to what Jesus taught > and what James wrote

“Live right, live wisely, live humbly”

Well, the Shakers are gone > almost gone, anyway

But we’re still here > we have a chance to resurrect the best of their beliefs

And combine it with the best of our beliefs

Earlier I asked a question: What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

Was it a new car? A diamond ring?

Or was it freedom? Was it being in right place at right time so you could learn something?

Was it loving and being loved? Was it having friends and being a friend?

Isn’t that what James wanted for the early Christians, in so many words?

Isn’t that the life he wants for us, too?

“Tis a gift to be simple!