James 1:1-4
Today's Passage: James 1:1-4
First, watch this video about the entire book of James!
Overview: James
Verses 1-4 are so powerful. In just these 4 verses, James describes what testing should produce in us: wholeness in Christ. Through tests, the true Christ follower learns to withstand the trials of life until God removes it at whatever time God has appointed for it to be over, and then even cherishes what was learned from it and sees the benefits!
The word “perfect” in verse 4 isn’t referring to literal perfection, which we won’t experience in this life. It is referring to spiritual maturity, or sanctification. The testing of our faith should push us to deeper communion and greater trust in the Lord, which should also in turn produce stability, godliness, and a righteous character.
So we know how we should react, but how do we do it? How can we experience difficulties and actually “count it all joy”? Keep in mind that the original audience for this letter are those who have been scattered because of intense persecution. How can they really see that as a good thing?
Ultimately, it takes being fully submitted to the Holy Spirit and loving God above all else. This wholehearted devotion to Jesus is what keeps our eyes fixed on Him instead of our circumstances. The Lord helps us to make a commitment to face trials with joy and produces in us the thankfulness for the opportunity to be sanctified.
How could you grow in your devotion to Jesus? What is holding you back from giving control of your life to the Holy Spirit?
Written By: Kaitlin White
First, watch this video about the entire book of James!
Overview: James
Verses 1-4 are so powerful. In just these 4 verses, James describes what testing should produce in us: wholeness in Christ. Through tests, the true Christ follower learns to withstand the trials of life until God removes it at whatever time God has appointed for it to be over, and then even cherishes what was learned from it and sees the benefits!
The word “perfect” in verse 4 isn’t referring to literal perfection, which we won’t experience in this life. It is referring to spiritual maturity, or sanctification. The testing of our faith should push us to deeper communion and greater trust in the Lord, which should also in turn produce stability, godliness, and a righteous character.
So we know how we should react, but how do we do it? How can we experience difficulties and actually “count it all joy”? Keep in mind that the original audience for this letter are those who have been scattered because of intense persecution. How can they really see that as a good thing?
Ultimately, it takes being fully submitted to the Holy Spirit and loving God above all else. This wholehearted devotion to Jesus is what keeps our eyes fixed on Him instead of our circumstances. The Lord helps us to make a commitment to face trials with joy and produces in us the thankfulness for the opportunity to be sanctified.
How could you grow in your devotion to Jesus? What is holding you back from giving control of your life to the Holy Spirit?
Written By: Kaitlin White
3 Comments
Thank you, Kaitlin! I love what you said about us learning to withstand our trials until they're removed, and then even cherishing what was learned from those trials & seeing the benefits! Before my accident I was a very optimistic person, and I saw this as an easy/natural thing. My accident was really tough for about an hour a couple weeks after I'd fully woken up - when I realized I was living in my new reality (not just a bad dream). God did help me withstand the trials of my then-severe disability while He helped me through it to a more normal life, after which I did cherish the lessons/benefits and I even asked God to send me another trial like that so my relationship with Him could continue growing stronger. Right after my accident, I'd fully believed that God would either take me to Heaven or let me get everything back (if I just worked long & hard enough on therapy). But eventually it became clear that God did not intend to do either - instead leaving me on earth with this still-somewhat-disabled body. Growing up, I always wanted to live a helping life (like Amy Carmichael) and to have as many kids as possible (bio & adopted). After my accident, I was sure this could not be God's plan anymore since I'm no longer strong enough to live that kind of crazy multitasking life & it feels completely impossible for me. But I've recently realized, maybe this lifelong dream from God is one He always intended to fulfill in my life in a way through His own perfect power (since nothing's impossible for Him). I feel like I'm finally starting to learn how to better withstand the sudden disappointments of all life's newfound difficulties and all my own newfound inabilities, and starting to cherish a little the resulting opportunity to watch God do cool rescue missions while using me despite myself. I don't feel like I'm any good at it yet, but I'm glad He's faithful to keep teaching slow learners like me. ðŸ™
Naomi, thank you so much for your comment! Your faith journey has always inspired me. I can't wait to see how God continues to use you for His glory!
This passage reminds me of a quote by Mark Batterson "Doubt is letting our circumstances come between us and God. Faith is letting God get between us and our circumstance."
It's easy so see God in light of our circumstances, but our circumstances don't define our savior!
I know in my own life as I have moved towards ultimate surrender to the Lord, "allowing" the Holy Spirit to drive and finally letting my last hand off the steering wheel. God took my life to places I never thought I would go, doing things I never thought I would do.
God uses routes you didn't know about, to take you places you've never been, to deepen a faith you've never had!