Two of Jesus’ twelve Apostles were named James, but neither of them is the James who wrote the Epistle of James. That was probably a third James, one of Mary and Joseph’s children. In other words, he was the Savior’s half-brother!
The epistle of James is full of encouragement not just to hear and believe the gospel but to act on it, especially by serving others. It’s not enough just to believe in God. As James points out, Satan believes in God, too, and what good does that do him? (See James 2:19). Here are some other verses about action:
- “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).
- “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20)
- “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26).
And don’t forget the famous verse that led to the Restoration of the Gospel:
- “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).
James’ counsel to ask God inspired Joseph Smith to pray for guidance. Sitting there wondering wasn’t enough. Joseph needed to act. And so do we all!