James 1:6

A friend of mine just walked up to me and asked, "Did you read yet, Chuck?" Overlooking the fact that he called me "Chuck" (blech) that was one of the kindest and most frustrating questions I've been asked all day. It was kind because he had his heart behind it, he wanted to help me out. It was frustrating because I was about to go to bed, and because of the "Chuck" thing. I am really tired. I am really, really tired. I had a long day of classes, a long day of work, and a lot of homework to look after. The 20 minutes or so I was able to spend with my girlfriend were spent (wasted) in an argument. The argument lasted longer into the night, consisting of phone calls, online chats, and 2 emails. To be honest, it still hasn't really ended and I feel awful because it is entirely my fault. So with most of my homework put out of the way I was happily thinking of going to bed and then WHAM! He drops the question. So here I go. Here is what I read tonight.

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

The thing asked for is Wisdom (look at vs. 5). It is something to be asked for in Faith. Not just any kind of Faith but a Faith that does not doubt, doesn't even contain the shadow of a doubt. This is not the normal kind of Faith. This is a very special Faith, and maybe that is why the world is filled with so few Wise men. "Are there many wise? Are there many noble?" Rhetorical question, to which, unfortunately, the answer is no. Doubt here is painted in a very negative light. It isn't necessarily always negative. It can be, but not always. Jesus gives room for doubt. Our Faith is often strengthened in our doubt. Apparently Wisdom is just one virtue that cannot coincide with doubt. It is the one virtue that will not be strengthened with a touch of doubt, instead it will weaken.