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When was the last time you had to find your way through a complicated journey?  A compass, or map, or global positioning system (GPS) are great aids to keeping us on the right track.  But what about our spiritual journey?  What if we had a "faith positioning system"?  Well, the Bible book written by James is a great resource for the follower of Jesus!

Though he was the half brother of Jesus, James did not initially believe in Christ.  It was likely that James came to faith in Jesus through His post resurrection appearances.  We know that not lFong after, James became a leader in the Jerusalem church.  Yet he viewed himself as a “servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1).  James wrote his letter about four decades after the death of Jesus.  It is considered a general epistle because of the broad group to whom he addressed his encouragement and instruction.  These recipients were the “twelve tribes” or the dispersed Christian Jews living outside of Palestine.  There is much to be gleaned from this five-chapter epistle.  Of note is the spiritual navigation it provides to the believer. 

Following Jesus requires the guidance of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.  In James 1:6 we are warned that "the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."   Later, in chapter three, James likens the tongue to a rudder as he taught believers about the impact of our speech.  In many other ways the letter from James assists believers to navigate the life of faith in Jesus.  He offers very practical and straightforward advice.  He addressed the true union of faith and works.  In addition, James deals with wisdom, temptation, confidences, and the self life.

James' letter reflects the wisdom literature of the Old Testament in the way it offers practical application to pressing spiritual issues.  Also, James deals with many topics in succession, highlighting the fact that spiritual realities have practical applications.  Whether it is our speech, attitude, doubt, strife, carnality, or waning trust, the book of James helps us to navigate faith!