James is a wise and beautiful letter and all Christians would do well to be guided by its practical wisdom. James assures us that the struggles and suffering we face in our lives is not meaningless. By meeting these challenges patiently, joyfully, and with faith we grow into spiritual maturity and wisdom. We can ask for wisdom and guidance along the way but it must always be done with faith. James warns us against a spiritual failing that the early Christians considered very serious: double-mindedness or a doubting and half-hearted faith. Faith is not belief in various creeds and doctrines but absolute trust in the goodness and loving care of God. And the more we have, the more spiritually empowered we will be!

Jesus challenges those around him not to be double-minded by constantly demanding different proofs or signs from him. To demand signs is to lack trust in God and to be unwilling to take the slightest risk or leap of faith. But we are not without signs of God's presence and these are found in our own life. We meet God in the daily details and challenges of life. If only we remember the times when we were blessed or given strength, the times when people or events arrived at just the right moment, the things for which we are grateful, the gift of family and friends, the joy of love, and the moments of contentment and joy, we will not ask for a sign. Life itself is the greatest sign possible.