The book of James is historically understood to have been written by a brother of Jesus around 60AD. Both Paul and James deal with the topic of faith. It can be said they come at it from two sides of the same coin. Paul, in Romans, answers the question, how is salvation acquired? The answer is by faith alone. James answers the question, how is genuine Christian faith recognized? The answer is by its fruits. Though Paul clearly instructs us in Romans that salvation is by faith alone and not by good works (Romans 3:28), James clarifies that good works will follow genuine faith (James 2:14).
The most important thing in your life, and the greatest gift to others, is your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Therefore, James first deals with the duty of self-care in the things of God then deals with our relationship with others. The truth is that before we care for others, we must look after ourselves. You know the whole flight attendant’s spiel, “put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others.”
James begins with a customary greeting. He writes, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings” (James 1:1). He uses Old Covenant language dealing with Israel to address the Church that is under the New Covenant. Therefore, James writes as a humble servant of Christ and His Church to fellow believers scattered due to persecution, instructing them with practical counsel on how to follow Christ amidst all the circumstances of life. As a result, he proceeds to write not merely about what Christians should do but how they are to go about doing it.
James first writes about three practical principles on how to benefit from trials. He writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
The first principle is to count it all joy when you meet trials (v. 2). Let’s be honest. Trials are seldom met with joy. However, James does not instruct us to face trials with mere joy but with all joy. In other words, our joy in such situations is not to be contrived or forced out of some spiritual obligation. Rather, our joy should be genuine, with the awareness of the truth that the trials that come from living in this world can bring maturity.
The word translated for trial is often translated as temptation. For instance, Paul writes, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). With this in mind, we can face trials with hope and joy.
The Bible describes life as hard and difficult, even for believers. Christ’s path led to the cross. Yet, he trod this path with joy. How? The Hebrews writer tells us when he writes, “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Christ found joy heading towards the cross because he knew it had a glorious destination, our salvation, and His eternal glory. The truth is that we may not always know the reason for trials, but we can be confident in our decision to trust Christ amidst them.
The second principle is to grant the testing of your faith to produce steadfastness (v. 3). God is not the author of evil, suffering, or trials, but He has a glorious capacity to use them for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). The word testing in verse three literally means proving. God invites us to trust Him with our very selves and, in return, realize that the testing of our faith is for our good, developing steadfastness in our lives. It’s only by meeting and passing life’s tests that faith grows in steadfastness or strong consistency.
The third, and final principle, is to allow the work of steadfastness to make you perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (v. 4). This is a journey of growing and becoming. Paul writes, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12, 14). As the church, God calls us to grow and mature, becoming more and more like Christ, which is our present target, and as we’re maturing will experience its future fulfillment when we see Christ face-to-face. When we believers allow steadfastness to have its perfect work in our lives, we’ll grow to become more and more like Jesus – being perfected, maturing, growing onward to completion, perfect in every way, lacking in nothing, deficient in nothing, wanting nothing.
Trials are life’s hidden rocks that either lead us to personal disaster or serve as stepping stones to glory. Life is often not fair. The victories in the Christian life are not always obvious. But we can be sure of this, ultimate victory is ours in Christ. As we are faithful, steadfast, all of heaven awaits us in the victory circle.
Are you receiving the benefits of trials? Are you counting it all joy when you meet trials? Are you granting the testing of your faith to produce steadfastness? Are you allowing the work of steadfastness to make you perfect and complete, lacking in nothing? Don’t miss this. Our Lord wants us to experience the full enjoyment of our salvation. Won’t you take the next step God’s calling you to take with Him by His strength, power, and leading? Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!