James 1:2-4, "My brethren count it all joy when ye fall in to divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing."
The word 'temptation' in verse 2, does not refer to enticements to sin, but to trials, persecution, and affliction from the world or Satan. Paul affirmed that those who live godly will suffer persecution. No question about it! (2 Tim. 3:12). The way we face trials reveals the level of our maturity in Christ. If we meet trials with joy, we will develop patience, perseverance and endurance. Our faith can only reach full maturity when faced with difficulties and trials. Peter writes that the trial of our faith is 'more precious than gold', because as we remain faithful to Jesus Christ in the midst of our trials, our faith will be purified. (1Peter 1:7). None of us enjoy trial and tribulation, yet it is through this process that the Master refines us. The dross will not rise to the surface without the application of high heat. But if the dross remains, there will be mixture and leaven, hindering us from glorifying Christ in holiness and purity. "But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For He is like refiner's fire and like fullers' soap." (Mal. 3:2)
His purpose in refining us, is to make us into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ! When He looks into my heart, He wants to see His reflection. He desires to make us into vessels sanctified and meet for the Master's use. The end result is that we may be "perfect and entire wanting (lacking) nothing." 'Perfect' reflects the Biblical idea of perfections, defined as a right relationship with God that bears fruit in a sincere endeavor to love Him with all one's heart in undivided devotion, obedience and a blameless life.
The word 'temptation' in verse 2, does not refer to enticements to sin, but to trials, persecution, and affliction from the world or Satan. Paul affirmed that those who live godly will suffer persecution. No question about it! (2 Tim. 3:12). The way we face trials reveals the level of our maturity in Christ. If we meet trials with joy, we will develop patience, perseverance and endurance. Our faith can only reach full maturity when faced with difficulties and trials. Peter writes that the trial of our faith is 'more precious than gold', because as we remain faithful to Jesus Christ in the midst of our trials, our faith will be purified. (1Peter 1:7). None of us enjoy trial and tribulation, yet it is through this process that the Master refines us. The dross will not rise to the surface without the application of high heat. But if the dross remains, there will be mixture and leaven, hindering us from glorifying Christ in holiness and purity. "But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For He is like refiner's fire and like fullers' soap." (Mal. 3:2)
His purpose in refining us, is to make us into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ! When He looks into my heart, He wants to see His reflection. He desires to make us into vessels sanctified and meet for the Master's use. The end result is that we may be "perfect and entire wanting (lacking) nothing." 'Perfect' reflects the Biblical idea of perfections, defined as a right relationship with God that bears fruit in a sincere endeavor to love Him with all one's heart in undivided devotion, obedience and a blameless life.