Day 3: Joyful Endurance

My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.
You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.
But you must learn to endure everything,
so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.
(James 1:2-4, CEV)

Reflection

James begins his letter with a direct imperative command. My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble (v. 2). This is one of the distinguishing features of James’ writing style. He uses imperative (command) statements more than any New Testament writer. There are 104 verses in the Epistle of James and 52 of them are commands. He does not have suggestions for us; James has direct commands.

In this respect, James has a teaching style that reflects the heart and voice of his older brother, Jesus. After Jesus set forth how his followers should live with his Sermon on the Mount, the people responded to his message with this observation:

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Matthew 7:28-29, NIV)

Be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. (v.1) This is not an easy command. It’s like asking for the impossible. I tend to whine, complain, and get angry when I have a lot of trouble. I become upset because I feel I deserve better. Do you respond like me?

But James calls for a different response. He asks us to look past the current situation and take the long view—the Christ-centered eternal perspective.

You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (vs. 3-4)

Christ wants our maturity, not our childish temper tantrums. Joy and gladness reflect the true nature of our redeemed status as children of God most high. A tested faith is a true faith. Similarly, Paul calls us to live on this higher plane:

… but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5, NIV)

Response

Lord God, help me to persevere in times of testing. I want to have a joyful, thankful heart even when the way is difficult. You want me to have a mature faith that shines for you. Amen.

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