"Be Ye Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only"

1.    Read James 1 and respond in writing to the following items:

·            What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?

In verse 5, we are directed to ask God for direction if we ever “lack wisdom.”  We are also told that God “giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”  Upbraideth is defined as to censure or reproach.  So, for me, it is encouraging to know that I’m not going to be disciplined for having a question or not understanding something and taking it to the Lord.  And not only will He answer us, but He will give to us liberally.  I always think of the scripture that talks about how God will pour out His blessings upon us, that there will not be room enough to receive it. 

·            How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?

James further defines “ask in faith” by adding “nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”  The imagery of that is pretty powerful.  The wind is something that cannot be seen, only felt; similar to Satan and temptation.  Yet the effects of wind are very much seen, especially in water.  Any body of water can be moved by the wind, even if it’s just a light breeze…there is still a ripple effect on the water.  But if we do not waver, if our faith is strong and build on a solid foundation, it doesn’t matter how strong the wind is blowing.  Our testimony cannot be shaken.

·            How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?

Matthew talks about how it is impossible to hold loyalty to two separate masters.  Our actions will either show love for one and contempt for the other.  There isn’t a way to be balanced or on the fence with who we serve.  1 King makes the comment that if God is who He says He is, we need to act and obey Him, instead of being stuck between two opinions.  These verses add to James 1:8 by explaining why a man who is double minded is unstable.  Trying to juggle between two ways of thinking and acting creates nothing but inconsistency and trouble for an individual. 

·            From James 1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

-          Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath

-          Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word

-          Be doers of the word

-          looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer

-          Bridle our tongue

-          To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

·            Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.

There are a few different people that came to mind when reading this question.  A friend followed a prompting to invite a newly baptized couple in our ward to Thanksgiving dinner.  I see sisters in my ward constantly volunteering to bring dinners to families in need.  There is one sister in particular who is always offering her assistance in any capacity needed.  She is usually the first to respond to a need in my ward.  I watch as friends follow direction and counsel they’ve received from church leaders.  I also have seen people close to me never stop trying to be better and to improve how they worship the Lord.

2.    Read the institute student manual commentary for James 1:5–6, “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” (p. 409). Make a list of reasons why Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact ... upon mankind than any other” scripture.

I struggled to come up with a ‘list’ of reasons from the brief passage in the manual, but what I got out of it is that those verses were what influenced Joseph Smith to ask a very simple question that led to the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The counsel and truth behind those words is so easily understood.  In the manual, Elder McConkie says that, at some point, every investigator of the church stands where Joseph Smith did.  Each individual must ask the Lord for themselves.  They must each take whatever questions they have to the Lord.  The same can be said of us.  Everyone that wishes to know God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, must seek truth from the source from which it is given.  There is no other way to know God than to seek Him out.