James 1:16-18
Every Good and Perfect Gift
Having discussed where temptation and sin come from, James now turns to whence every good and perfect gift comes—and that is from the “Father of Lights.” In short, man may take credit for all the sin and evil in the world; God takes credit for all that is good and perfect. This has been the way it is from the beginning and is the way it is now and ever shall be. Sin is ever man’s fault, and even his best works and intentions are tainted with sin as they come from a heart yet burdened with a sinful nature (Isaiah 64:6).
But not so with God. The pagans (Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, et. al) worshiped gods who were no gods at all but demons masquerading as such (1 Corinthians 10:18-22). And they proved it. Read the sordid myths (then again, don’t) men made up about these “gods” and see how men’s idols stack up against the true God of the Bible. Our God does us good not evil, and though He chasten us from time to time, it is only for our holiness (Hebrews 12:7-11). So, do you have a roof over your head? Bless God. Do you have enough of everything you need and even more? Bless God. Do you have a family? Do you enjoy health? Bless God. Most of all, have you received Christ as Lord and Savior? Bless God. And have you learned to praise God in any and all circumstances, even though you may lack some of the things I mentioned just above, even though you bear heartache, physical or emotional scars, unable to account for why things in your life have turned out the way they have, or worse maybe you can account, and the fault lies with yourself or others you trusted?
Every good and perfect gift is from above. And you may trust Him because, despite your challenges, He never changes and His love for you never varies. He birthed you again of His Spirit by the word of truth, that is, the preaching of the gospel. Sinner though you were, God has transferred you from the kingdom of darkness to that of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13). And though you still struggle with sin and doubt, He remains faithful and refuses to let you go because He cannot change (2 Timothy 2:11-13).
And we who are called unto Him are a “firstfruits of His creatures.” “Firstfruits” here does not mean those first saved but those chosen of God to be His firstfruits, His harvest, those whom He purchased and sanctified out of those who would choose their sin instead. So, you are very precious to Him—and always will be. Now let that knowledge purify your soul (1 John 3:2-3).