Persevere in Trials

There are some unusual things in the beginning of James’ letter.

First, James gives his name but does not identify himself as a pastor in Jerusalem. Nor does he mention that he is the brother of Jesus. Instead, he is simply “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). James has submitted his will to that of God, as a slave to a master.

Second, James also says something that many would find difficult to practise: to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials as followers of Jesus (James 1:2). That’s not how we usually feel about them!

James does not elaborate on the kinds of trials his readers may face, but there are many different kinds that can test our faith (see Romans 5:3). The reason we should feel this way about trials is not that we like to suffer or we want to prove anything. Instead, we should consider it a “joy” to go through trials because they have the effect of increasing our faith.

James explains that trials are a necessary part of growing to maturity because they produce endurance (“perseverance”, James 1:3), and endurance must “finish its work” in us so that we may be mature and complete (v. 4). This endurance is our patient, faithful attitude in the midst of trials. To explain this completion through endurance, James uses descriptive words that depict both getting to the end and filling a full portion (v. 4). These words point to the idea that as Christians face difficulties, they will remain faithful, and this faithfulness will bring them to spiritual maturity.

No matter what difficulties we encounter, may God grant us “pure joy” in the midst of these difficulties, so that we may one day reach spiritual maturity. The joy we will experience is much greater than a mere feeling of happiness; it is a deep contentment in God’s plan for us, and it will grow stronger the closer we draw to Him.