2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various [c]trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [d]endurance. 4 And let [e]endurance have its perfect [f]result, so that you may be [g]perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 (NASB) 中文 

Intro

As we shared yesterday, this letter is full of  commands and directives on how to live as a Christian. True to form, James starts off here in verse 2 with the first one: Consider it joy. “Consider” means we make a decision. When we face trials, we decide to see it with joy and look forward to the end result.

How many of us can obey this command? Actually since it’s a command in God’s Word, we know we can obey. The question really is, will we obey? Will we decide to see every trial with joy, an opportunity to develop our faith? Do we choose to see it as an abundance of joy? In the Greek, trials also means temptations. πειρασμός (peirasmos) – a putting to the test, proof, trial; also, in a bad sense, temptation. It’s the same word used in 1 Corinthians 10:13, the famous passage about dealing with temptation.

Response to trials

So how do we respond? When this trial comes, this “test of our metal”, do we run, complain, resist, fear, ignore? Or, do we make a decision to consider it a good thing? Not just a good thing, but a source of tremendous joy? It may not bring happiness, but it can give opportunity for joy – if we decide to see it as such. It’s not easy but I can tell you from personal experience it’s true and it’s a much better way to deal with it.

Right perspective on trials

But it starts with the right perspective – we must know God, that He is all powerful, that He loves us and wants to make us like Christ – perfect. With this perspective we can face the test and pass. This leads to a reward – an eternal crown of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17) promised by the same God who brings the test. You see how this works? He brings the test, we endure and pass the test, He rejoices with us and gives us a reward, a glorious one that is for eternity. That should give us the motivation to persevere. Trust Him. 

RЯeflection

• What is our goal in life? The Westminster Shorter Catechism suggests it is to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever”. I wonder if the goal James provides in v4 (to be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing) is required to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (in His presence, in Heaven)? We will leave this sinful body behind at death and become perfect…allowing us to be in His holy presence.
• Can you think of a trial God brought to you recently, or one you are in now? Maybe it’s the one He’s got in store for you. How will you choose to respond? All trials are not the same, some are short and intense, some are long – even last a lifetime. Some are more difficult or hurtful. No matter what they are, keep the right perspective. Know its purpose and the end goal, the final reward and Who it is that works it. Trust Him!