The Book Of James: An Eternal Attitude

James 5:8 NIV

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 

“Unless we purposely live with a view to the next world, we cannot make much out of our present existence.”

– Charles Spurgeon 

“Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’: aim at Earth and you will get neither.” 

– C.S. Lewis

How to live each day with an eternal attitude: 

1. Live like you know that your lifetime is . 

James 4:13-14 NIV

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 

“Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying, like tomorrow was a gift, and you’ve got eternity think about: What did I do with it?”

 – Tim McGraw

“Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose today, and is returning tomorrow.”

 – Martin Luther 

Question of reflection: What would I do differently if I only had 30 days to live? 

2. Focus on finding your  in God’s plan.

James 4:15-17 NIV

Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. 

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” 

– Mark Twain

Question of reflection: Do I know my purpose and am I living out God’s plan for my life? 

3. See every possession as blessing you are to  well.

James 5:1-6 NIV

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you. 

Question of reflection: How can I be a blessing to others with the  blessings God has entrusted to me? 

4. Find hope in knowing that your  are .

James 5:7-11 NIV

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 

Question of reflection: Where do I need to invite God’s power to do a work in my life?