Though I've read these verses so many times during my life, for some reason this time verse four caught me.
...so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James says here that by persevering through the trials of life, we become more mature, more wise, not lacking anything.
Not lacking anything? Anything??
I find that hard to wrap my head around. Having been taught since I was little that faith is a constant journey and growth cycle from the moment the Holy Spirit puts it in my heart till my dying breath, this makes me a little confused. If I went through the worst possible catastrophes and pushed through them, coming out a stronger and better person on the other side, would I then be "complete, not lacking anything"?
These first passages of James bring back into my mind a song I heard years ago, a beautiful reminder of why God allows us to go through hardships. At times, music seems to have a much greater effect on me than reading mere words on a page. Have a listen to this one, and I think you'll see why.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtNzOpKvPfw
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thank you for posting that song - I'd forgotten about that one! It's so pretty and such a comforting reminder that God's not through with us yet - thank goodness!! :)
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to comment on your interest in the "not lacking anything" phrase in our reading today. I found a helpful description of that in my commentary:
"The patient endurance of Christians must not be a mere pretense, but should be real, true, the finished product, bearing the name with full propriety. For it is only then that believers themselves will be as they should be, fulfilling their lot in the world, fully equal to their high calling, not deficient or lacking in any essential of Christian sanctification. If a person calling himself a Christian yields to the very first attack of his enemies or does not hold out under their repeated onslaughts, proof is given that he does not yet possess the faith which is founded on the Lord's power, a faith which overcomes the world with all its temptations."
What I understood from that is the James is saying that consistent perseverence is a clear mark of a Christian's sanctified life, one of the ways that makes a Christian mature and complete. Of course we're a constant work in progress, but I think James is saying that the level of faith is stronger and more mature and "complete-looking" when a Christian is repeatedly strong under trials.
Mature, complete faith and what that looks like is a meaty issue, to be sure. I just thought I'd share with you what I read that helped me see James' meaning better! Love you!
I, too, liked the song! Thank you. :)
ReplyDelete