In American culture, when we meet someone new, the conversation is comically predictable. Attend any social gathering where you’ll be introduced to new people, and you’ll undoubtedly be asked what you do for a living, if you’re married or single, whether or not you have children, and where you live. Maybe these questions are simply the standard we use to gather background information, or perhaps it’s how we size one another up. Either way, these are the questions we ask and answer. Lofty job titles, advanced degrees, successful spouses, and thriving children all serve as positive social capital. Of course, none of those things tell us much about a person’s character or who they really are, but these are the measuring sticks we use.
Perhaps that’s what makes James’ introduction in the epistle that bears his name so fantastic. In the New Testament era, it was customary for a writer to introduce himself at the beginning of a letter. James introduced himself this way: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Jas. 1:1).
I’m convinced I would’ve liked James. He comes across as a straight-shooter who didn’t mince words. James’ introduction is powerful for a couple of reasons. First, he didn’t feel the need to polish his resume or impress with titles or accolades. He introduced himself as a servant. That’s not the type of job description that will generate positive feedback at a cocktail party, but it’s evidence of a man who knew his purpose and felt confident in his own skin.
Secondly, James refrained from name-dropping even though he was the half-brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55). In the first-century church, how tempting might it have been to identify himself as Jesus’ half-brother? James most certainly attached his identity to Jesus, but not as an equal, he identified himself as Jesus’ servant. This reveals a dramatic shift in their relationship because during Jesus’ earthly ministry, James was not a follower of Christ (John 7:3-5). But James later became convinced Jesus was the resurrected Son of God, and he committed his life to following Him. (1 Cor. 15:7). In doing so, James found his identity and purpose and was freed from the need to impress anyone.
The irony of it all is James became one of the most significant leaders in the New Testament church. He led the church at Jerusalem, played an instrumental role at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), wrote the epistle of James (Jas. 1:1), and was recognized by Paul as a pillar of the church (Gal. 2:9). But he didn’t achieve those things by attempting to make a name for himself.
So, what does this mean for a modern-day Christ-follower living in a “me-oriented” culture?
Jesus provides the measure of significance we are looking for. There’s nothing wrong with lofty titles, advanced degrees, and flourishing families. If you’re blessed with any of these things, you should give thanks to God. But none of these things are necessary qualities to be used mightily by God.
Paul wrote, “Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, so that no one may boast in his presence” (1 Cor. 1:26-29).
Jesus is impressive, and therefore, we don’t have to be. We are free to be children of God, servants of the King, with nothing to prove. Our culture doesn’t assign our self-worth—Jesus already has.
