Biblical Community

James 5:13-20

True, biblical community…what does it look like? The picture that scripture paints is one of getting involved in the lives of others for forgiveness, healing, celebration, and restoration. Not simply to be there for others, expecting transparency on their behalf. But to allow ourselves, as well, to be transparent in true humility and meekness, that we may be an open book to a few trusted friends. And to share with these trusted friends the seasons of our soul; the prosperous times, as well as the tough times, including sins we’ve committed.

God always allows and uses these seasons of the soul to call us to action. And the call to action is to produce a greater godliness in each of us; that we learn the deeper truths of the grace and mercy of God the Father.

The audience James is addressing is believers, church-goers, Christ-followers. When he says, “is any of you in trouble?” he’s talking to church folk, not the prostitute on the street or the professional thief. We get into trouble; we mess things up, sometimes on purpose. We’re fallen, and we still tend to wallow in our sins. It’s a temporary season each of us experiences at various times in our spiritual journey. James asks, “Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy (of a good mind; prospering), let him sing songs of praise. Is any of you sick (weak). He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.”

These are seasons each of us has endured. Can you recall times when you were in trouble; when Satan’s temptation got a foothold and you opened the door to sin? Were you quick to seek God for forgiveness in prayer? And did you confess to a trusted friend your temporary slip-up for accountabilities’ sake?

When you’re happy do you sing songs of praise to God thanking him for his goodness? This too is a temporary state. Frustration and stress could be just around the next corner (please know that we can experience the joy of the Lord even in seasons of darkness. Joy can be constant; happiness not necessarily so).

When you’re weak with sickness in your body, do you include your church leaders to pray over you that you would be healed? Hopefully they’re trained and prepared to pray the prayer of healing.

James paints this picture of community for us so that the seasons we journey through are not traveled alone. We have a God-commissioned responsibility to share our burdens with one another; to rejoice with one another; and to pray for one another. And our prayers for one another are powerful, even saving us from death.

Will you make accountability a priority in 2009? Make a spiritual pact with a few close friends; to confess temptations and short-comings, and agree to pray for one another daily.

Lord, I thank you that you use us to sharpen one another. Thank you for the healing that comes from trusted friendships. Amen.

~ by Brian on January 2, 2009.