Texas Capitol Devotional

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. James 1.1

The New Testament Book of James is the first letter among seven referred to as General Epistles. This designation indicates that the letter was written to a broad audience, rather than to a particular individual or church. In this letter, James addresses the twelve tribes scattered abroad. In preparation for the spread of the gospel, God had providentially dispersed the Jews over centuries of war. Many of these Jews were among the first to come to faith in Christ. It is to them that James originally addressed this letter.

This letter is not characterized by clever rhetoric or philosophical insight, but instead offers us down-to-earth, practical value. It is not as much doctrinal as it is ethical. James’ use of 54 imperatives in 108 verses serves as clear evidence of his intent to be direct and practical. This letter’s contents have been summed up by titles such as: Marks of Christian Maturity, New Testament Proverbs, Christian Ethics or Morality, Practical Standards for Christian Conduct.

James was the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ and the undisputed leader of the church in Jerusalem. Yet he identifies himself here by only one title—bondservant. He addresses those early believers to whom he writes, and to us, as brothers and sisters in Christ. James is simply a bond-servant writing to fellow-servants of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

A bondservant is one who has willingly bound and submitted himself to another. This servanthood requires dedication to the goals, priorities, and, even, preferences of one master. The term implies a willingness to be bound to such a relationship and a positive disposition toward one’s master.

As state leaders you face temptations to magnify your own importance, to pursue your own agenda, and expect others to serve you. Christ calls you to follow His example by demonstrating the attitude of a bond-servant. I once heard it said that the clearest indication of a servant’s attitude is how you react when treated like one. Are you a bond-servant of the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you willingly bound yourself to Him? Have you dedicated yourself to the pursuit of His goals, priorities, and, even, His preferences? In the span of this short letter, James levels numerous stinging rebukes against those who have failed to embrace the attitudes of a bondservant. Brace yourself!