James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials..."

"Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4 RSV).

Question:

Because I have made a major decision to go back to college, and I need this because in five years I don’t want to be making minimum wages, and I want to be able to give more.

Comment:

The Letter of James was written at the end of the first Christian century, by an unknown author with great skill in the Greek language and a clear focus on the teachings of Jesus—particularly the Sermon on the Mount. This passage from the very beginning of the letter affirms the key teaching that "various trials" are not a sign of failure, or of God’s displeasure, but rather represent opportunities to learn and grow as we hold to our faith and transform trials into expressions of our true Christ nature. The linkage is clear: challenge calls us to have faith in our Oneness with God. Faith produces steadfastness—we stand firm and centered in the certainty of divine blessing. And steadfastness manifests as the "full effect" of God in our lives, so that we are "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Because God "gives to all men generously and without reproaching" (James 1:5), we can ask in faith and be certain of success. This is an excellent promise and understanding with which to begin your return to school. Do not doubt that God is with you, and your success is assured.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed