The Jesus follower holds the comfort and solace of knowing Jesus faced all forms of trial and testing as we do. He is our kin. We have a fellowship with Jesus in trial. And if the perseverance of Jesus is built up in us through this trial or that circumstance, we rejoice!
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
The early church leaders had a different perspective on life and trials than I have today. I am as optimistic as anyone, yet I don’t rejoice in trials as a general rule. I am up for a challenge and enthusiastic to solve problems. I consider best case scenarios over worst case scenarios, and if the worst case scenario is playing out, I’m mitigating negative impacts and pivoting.
Sounds like I’ve read a business magazine or two. And it misses the point here. Success does not produce perseverance in us. Success does not help us become mature and complete. In fact, the ease-of-life of people who do not have to toil or endure failure or have concern for their future works against us.
Working through trials and hard times and failure and struggle are extremely beneficial in character development. Our maturing and seasoning in facing life and trial is developed as perseverance finishes its work. Giving up won’t get us there. Silver platters likewise deny us this blessing.
The truth of James’ teaching is relatively easy to grasp, yet there is still more going on at a deeper level. Consider it pure joy… Rejoice in this. The literal words are, ‘esteem it all joy.’ How? We can all look back and see the value and merit of tough times we endured and hurdles we cleared. Rarely do we esteem such things with all joy in the moment.
They did. The early church leaders did. James did. Paul did. Stephen did. Even in their suffering and up to their deaths. They did. They rejoiced. Why? If we read this and we see the value of character and experience building only, we miss the value of sharing in the fellowship of suffering and trial with our Lord Jesus.
In Philippians 3:10, Paul writes of wanting to know the fellowship and participation in Jesus’ suffering. For the Jesus follower, we have the comfort and solace to know that Jesus faced all forms of trial and testing as we do. He is our kin.
Therefore, our response in trial should be to rejoice that we have Jesus as our model and example, and to be encouraged by the endurance and perseverance that he had. If the perseverance of Jesus can be built up in me through this trial or that circumstance, I rejoice.
When we are mature and complete in the New Testament meaning, we are developed in the character of Jesus, reflecting Christ-likeness into the world. I make not like some things I face, yet I can live in joy that Jesus is there with me, has been there before me, and can help me endure through every trial.
Rejoice.
Amen.
Marc Kinna
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