Name Dropper

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
James 1:1

Have you ever known someone that is an incessant name-dropper? They needlessly share names and places in conversations or on social media. It’s become so common today that no one really notices. 

I was struck by the lack of name-dropping in a read through of James, chapter 1. This short, to-the-point book begins with some interesting words. The author identifies himself as “a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Did you know that James was in fact the half-brother of Jesus? Why didn’t he lead with that? It seems that human nature would demand it, yet he chooses the word servant. He doesn’t default to stories about when he and Jesus were young. He wastes no time with validating himself, instead he jumps straight into instructions for holy living.

You see, his life was changed dramatically. He was a skeptic until after Jesus’ resurrection. Once His life was transformed, so was his whole identity. Servant. 

The next time you’re tempted to prop yourself up online or in conversation, remember James. He could have pointed to himself, but resisted. He personally knew the Lord Jesus Christ and chose to magnify Him- the only One worthy of adoration. 

Jesus, thank You that I can also be Your servant. Help me point to You in every interaction today.

Whitney