Read: James 1:1a

James was Jesus' brother. During the early days of the Church, James became a prominent leader of the Christian community in Jerusalem - the "head office" of the Christian movement. This is a letter he wrote to circulate to Christians everywhere spread out all over the Roman Empire.

Some of the readers of this letter had been members in James' home Church. But it was getting harder to be a Christian in Jerusalem, which is under the emperor's mircoscope. So they have uprooted and moved away to quieter pasture.

James addresses himself as "servant" of God and Jesus - not "pastor", not "deacon", not "God's appointed leader of the Church". Just "servant" - a common household slave.

But he is not just any common household slave. He feels like the Queen's butler. He is proud and grateful for the opportunity to serve the God who made him, the God who loves him, and sent Jesus to reconcile him into friendship.

And chances are, James is reminding his readers that despite having moved away, they too are God's servants. Their number one calling is to serve God's purposes in the world wherever they are, however busy they may get with life, and however hard it maybe to be affiliated with Jesus.

Write
Think about your faith story: how does your life reflects the priority place God occupies?

What responsibilities and commitments compete with God for your attention and allegiance?

In what ways and to whom do you "serve" God in your week?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about your understanding of how he wants you to serve him, and how well you are serving him.

Talk to God about your struggles in serving God and his purposes in the midst of your life responsibilities and struggles.

Pray that God would make clear to you your calling - the setting and people he wants you to bless and love in practical ways.

Pray for a fresh experience of God's love, grace and mercy as you choose to serve him, and find pasison and meaning in discovering God's calling for your life.