Scripture Reference: James 1:2-12

In order to attain Christian maturity and holy conduct it is essential to have a firm foundation. The believer must be able to stand with confidence. He dare not be pushed down by trials. He must not be pulled over by temptation. “Push, pull—stick, stick” must be his motto. How can such stamina be achieved? A believer can stand by pursuing, perceiving, and practicing the Word of God. Trials from without and temptations from within are no match for a Christian who stands in the truth from above.

All too often trials prompt groanings and complaints. This kind of response does not contribute to Christian maturity. It only makes matters worse. Trials are not to be seen as tribulations but testings. A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out. James gave sound advice on how to score high on every test. One who brings the right attitude to the trial, who understands the advantage of the trial, and who knows where to obtain assistance in the trial will certainly end up on God’s honor roll.

Attitude in Trials (verse 2).

To persecuted Jewish believers scattered among pagan peoples, James gave the surprising advice, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” Trials should be faced with an attitude of joy. Trials should not be seen as a punishment, a curse, or a calamity but something that must prompt rejoicing and in thanksgiving. Furthermore they should produce “all joy” (that is, joy that is full or unmixed), not just “some joy” coupled with an amount of grief.

Though James’ command was direct and forceful, he did not preach at his audience. Rather, he identified with them. He addressed them warmly as “my brethren.” This form of address is characteristic of his epistle. He used this familiar form no less than 15 times. Thus it is obvious to the reader that James’ direct commands are coupled with deep compassion.

It is important to note that James did not say that a believer should be joyous for the trials but in the trials. The verb translated “fall” might more literally be expressed as “fall into,” much as the poor man “fell among thieves” (Luke 10:30). The “various trials” (literally meaning trials of many kinds) was also referred to by Peter, who used the same Greek, though in reverse order (1 Peter 1:6). When surrounded by these trials, one should respond with deep joy; not because of the trial itself, but because of how the Lord shall use it in the believer’s life to make them more like Himself. Most people count it all joy when they escape trials. James said to count it all joy in the midst of trials (compare 1 Peter 1:6, 8).

It is clear that the reference here is to external trials, or tests of stamina, whereas later in the same chapter (James 1:13) the verb form of that noun is used to speak of inner temptations, or solicitations to sin.

Obviously the question arises: How can a person find joy in trials?

To Be Continued

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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