The Book of James was written around 49 AD by James, a leader in the very first Christian church, the Church of Jerusalem.
Members of the Jerusalem church had been removed from the city and spread out to other Roman provinces because of persecution. The letter aims to encourage them during these difficult times. James explains to them that their faith will change not only their conduct but also their character. He gives his readers several tests against which they can measure their faith in Christ. If a Christian fails these tests then their faith is dead.
James 1:5-8
"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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways"