What?! James 1:3 says, “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” He’s got to be kidding, yes? Maybe he has a different definition of ‘joy’ than you and I do. But why would he say to count it joy when you are in various trials? Trials may be a method to learn, but there are less stressful ones, yes? Why emphasize trials… because, that’s the beginning… look after the comma.
The reason James is saying to count it joy is that, “…knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” And, with this as the context, trials do produce joy. Or, at least they can. James sees a progression: from trials to faith being tested to patience which produces perfection. And in perfection everything is there and available and there is no lack. Then again… it’s our choice, our decision to use this mindset rather than a more emotional one.
But how can we develop that mindset because trails rarely are met with joy? Trials are typically met with an emotional reaction – understandable. But they really need to be viewed spiritually and intellectually which can be difficult in the moment. But all this is preparation. Trials teach us, they provide information that we may not have had before or new ways of looking at activities or options – they teach, that’s one of their purposes.
…knowing. This is one of the keys. We have to know that faith tested produces – from patience to complete. I believe that part of what James is trying to tell us is that we shouldn’t fear trials, that trials will exact a good result. That when we are tested we should use this as a time to increase our understanding which will increase our knowing. While I may have a bit of problem with counting trails as ‘joy’, I know that each trial will increase my faith… and that IS joy.
… but what do you think?
