Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)
Expanded Passage: James 1:16-18
When I first became a teacher, classroom management did not come naturally. I had to spend time researching methods and implementing new strategies throughout my first year of teaching elementary. There was a power struggle for control, and I had to be the victor. I know this must have been difficult and even angering for my students to adjust and re-adjust to my never-ending attempts to corral them. Thankfully, we all eventually became used to one another, and I have since conquered my pedagogy and classroom management skills. As a result, I can spend less time tweaking my classroom’s systems while getting to know a class.
Thankfully our heavenly Father never has to adjust his methods with us. He already knows our needs, and he is prepared. His strategy had always been to save the people of Israel through his plan of salvation. In today’s passage, the people James was talking to believed their inheritance would be wrapped up in a worldly king that brought them power, honor, and riches. But instead, they had the privilege of being among the first to know about his plan of salvation through his Son, Jesus.
James’ challenge is the same for us—to fight the temptations of this world and embrace that the greatest gift we could ever receive is not wealth or worldly honor but the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Remember you are blessed because your heavenly Father has a plan.
Holly Atkinson is a graduate of Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Wesley Seminary (IN). She serves as an assistant principal at a private school in Florida and is married to Pastor Derek Atkinson. They have two girls.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
