I have had the privilege of seeing the play, Fiddler on the Roof--both on Broadway and in a variety of other settings. It is a very moving and memorable play. The play begins with the "fiddler" balancing on a steep rooftop in the village playing his fiddle. The main character, Tevye, points to him and suggests that the fiddler symbolizes all the people of the village.

Yes, that does certainly describe us as a people. Trying to balance family, careers, hobbies, church, faith and a host of other things. Trying to stay one day ahead of the bill collectors and the pink slip at work. Trying to maintain our balance. This is exactly what is happening in the lives of the people that James is trying to help along in their journey of faith.

As we open this portion of God''s Word today, James is en…