Over the course of our study through the book of James we will cover 108 verses and see 50+ commands given to us as believers regarding how we are to live out our faith in action. We have addressed many practical issues such as trials, temptation, poverty, riches, materialism, favoritism, social justice, our words and taming the tongue, boasting, making plans, praying for others, and rejoicing in suffering, just to name a few. In all of these things we have learned that our faith in Christ should impact how we live our lives. It should lead us to faith in action. It should cause us to surrender all; to let the confession on our lips match the practice of our lives. As we wrap up this week in chapter five, James walks us through a warning regarding self-indulgence and wealth, patience in suffering, and the importance of prayer in our lives and the lives of others. We have learned during our time in James that our role as Christians is to help other brothers and sisters live out this calling. It is not just about an individual relationship with Jesus, but more deeply, that God has formed a people, His Church, and we are called to live the Christian life in a Biblical community. Despite what individualism may say, and despite our natural tendency to want to at times to isolate ourselves, the picture of the Biblical community here in James is one that takes sin seriously and yet loves intentionally. It is each individual Christian, within Christ centered relationship with one another in community, that is able to say, “I surrender all” and thus truly shape the community at large in which they all live.