James - the Lord's brother takes centre stage this week. When we read Acts 15 12-21 we learn that James was a very important individual in New Testament times because he was the leader of the Church of Jerusalem.

But his fame lies in another direction - he was the brother of our Lord. This we learn from Paul, who tells us of a visit he made to Jerusalem to discuss matters with the Apostles (read Galatians 1:19). What sort of person was James? I've heard that if you are a member of the House of Lords and eat there without guests, you sit at a long table in the first available seat. You can't choose who you'll be sitting next to. James is not someone you would choose to sit beside. He's not comfortable, he's very earnest. He's morally strong, he has a great concern for the poor and the oppressed and he doesn't pull his punches. Most of all, he exposes our double standards. What he expects is consistent Christianity. Let's look at his Epistle, chapter 1. He describes himself as a 'Servant of God'. Would you accept that for yourself? You might recall that Jesus said: "I don't call you servants, I call you friends." Exactly! We take on the role of servants as his friends. Another thing. James is not content with second best for God. Are you? What does God get from us - first or second? Are we content with 'That'll do', or are we the people who want to bring the best? Remember Cain and Abel. Do we just bring along an offering or do we want the best for God? God only accepts the best. The rest is rejected. We might save our breath. How important is it that we apply those standards to what we do? Let me conclude on a high note. James did eventually become a Christian believer, but it took the death and resurrection of Jesus to bring it about. This verse says it all: "Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles" (1 Corinthians 15:7). God can do wonderful things with any life that is given over entirely to him.

THIS WEEK'S THOUGHT: It is better to bend than break.