James 5:7-12

James 5:7-12 
⁷ 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. ⁸ You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

At 41 I am old enough to remember life before microwaves, cell phones and a computer in every home.  We live in a world of INSTANT gratification and information.  We want it NOW.  I've often said, "If God would just download his calendar to my iPod, I'd be all set.".  That because I don't want to wait.

Waiting involves trust.  It involves believing that God's plan is truly the best plan.  When we don't wait on God, we demonstrate our lack of faith and trust in God.

  ⁹ Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Grumbling against a brother or sister puts us in the place of God.  We don't know what God's plan is for us, never mind other people.  By grumbling we think we know what is best for others.  God is the Judge and you will answer to him.

¹⁰ Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹ 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.

Be patient when you are suffering.  God has a plan and will bless you or others through it.  You may never know why you are suffering till you reach heaven and God reveals it to you.

¹² Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

Oaths are dangerous because you become bound by them. Just a simple yes or no and follow through on you word.  If you say yes and life gets in the way be honest and upfront.  Integrity, once lost, is hard to regain.  A bad reputation will hurt your testimony for Christ.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.