Imagine living far from home, surrounded by people who don’t understand your culture, your faith, or your struggles. Every day feels like a battle to remain faithful while navigating pressure to compromise. Can you imagine that? I can!

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: — James 1:1

James opens his letter with a greeting to "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion." These are Jewish converts (now Christians) who have been scattered across the land, originating from persecution following Stephen's death (Acts 8:1). Many of these new believers ran from Jerusalem to escape hostility, only to encounter new challenges in foreign lands. They were strangers in hostile environments, wrestling with poverty, discrimination, and the daily grind of trying to live out their faith in a world that opposed them.

But James doesn't just acknowledge and empathize with their situation—he equips and empowers them to live in their situation. This little letter that got passed on from group to group addresses all the practical issues believers were encountering, like trials (James 1:2-4), temptation (1:13-15), talk (3:1-12), and treasure (2:1-9; 5:1-6). At the core, James is calling them to a faith that works itself out in everyday life—one that is not merely thought about but lived out through daily action.

I think many believers today can relate to the cultural challenges the Dispersion faced. We live, attend school, and work in cultures that oppose our values and beliefs. Brothers and sisters, we are swimming against the tide. The tide is strong, and for some of us, it is getting stronger. Like the Dispersion, there are some of you who feel scared, scattered, or secluded.

However, as you will read in this letter, James's response to them is sympathetic but strong: "It's time to grow up."

This message is so relevant to our time. You can complain about the challenges of our culture or bring about change. You do this by being light in the darkness. You live it out.

You are the Dispersion—shine where you're scattered.

#FaithInAction, #ShineInTheDarkness, #LiveTheGospel

Ask This:

1. Where do you feel scattered or out of place in your faith?
2. How are you living out your faith daily?
3. What challenges in your culture test your commitment to Christ?
4. How can you shine as light in your current environment?

Do This:

Shine where you are scattered.

Pray This:

Father, help me live out my faith with courage and integrity, even when the world is against me. Strengthen me to be a light, reflecting Your love and truth wherever I am. Amen.

Play This:

Shine A Light.