Kidding, right? Happy when it hurts? That’s pretty much what James urged . . .
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).
Sounds like “be happy when it hurts” to me! But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start at the start . . .
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes (in the Dispersion) scattered among the nations: Greetings (1:1). James was Jesus’ brother. After Jesus’ resurrection, James became leader of the 1st century A.D. Jewish Christian church in Jerusalem.
He’s writing to “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (1:1). The NIV translates (and interprets) diaspora “scattered among.” The term diaspora hearkens back to the Babylonian exile (587 B.C.). When it ended (583 B.C.), many Jews remained in Babylon. Five hundred years later, Jews had scattered as well to Persia, Cyprus, the Aegean islands, the west coast of Asia Minor, Egypt, and Rome. To them, James is writing with apostolic authority, prophetic power and pastoral care.
“Scattered among” reminds me of us. Jesus’ followers today are a holy nation, without country or capital, dispersed like ” , , , strangers and aliens in the world” (1 Peter 2:11). So we can identify with James’ readers. Similarly, like them in this world, we , “face trials of many kinds” . . .
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance 1:2,3).
Payrasmois (my phonetic Greek!) is translated “trials, tests, temptations.” Of these. James’ readers face “many kinds.” Thus, James B. Admanson in his The Epistle of James says payrasmois includes all kinds of adversity and affliction, as diverse as disease, sexual lust, greed, temper, pride of wealth or strength or beauty. It is characteristic of James,” he writes, “that here he powerfully uses payrasmois for both the pleasant allurements of Satan and the painful afflictions of the body . . . ”
Now: why does James urge us to respond to payrasmois with “pure joy”? (Got to admit. If trials are tests which I should count an occasion for joy, my score is abysmal.) Joy, because James is telling us implicitly God is at work for good in them. We’re not having “a bad day.” It’s not just “a bummer” or “bad luck.” Trials are “the testing of [our] faith.”
I aced most college tests. High school, not so much. At test times in both places, though, my stomach knotted and palms sweated. The test would examine me. I’d be evaluated by how I answered. James is saying, “No stomach knots. No sweaty palms. Count this test all joy.” Before we dig more deeply into “joy”, let’s see specifically why James calls for joy.
” . . . because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (1:3,4).
” . . . the testing of your faith develops (produces, brings about) perseverance.” “Develops” implies ongoing process, not quick pill. It’s the difference between popping a steroid and working out. BibleWorks computer program offers a profound definition for “perseverance”—“the characteristic of a man or woman who is not swerved from his/her deliberate purpose and loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and suffering.”
Years ago I used to jog/ (Never considering it pure joy! Had to get in/stay in shape!) My toughest challenge hit just short of half-way. I was starting to ache. Getting winded. Thinking, “I’ve got another whole half to go!” I needed to endure, to not swerve from my purpose of finishing the course even though I hurt.
God obviously values upomonay. Perseverance–patient endurance–is a virtue he considers necessary for us sinners-saved-by-grace to be “mature (teleeoi–perfect, full-grown) and complete (olokayros–whole, complete in all parts), lacking nothing. ” Maturity or completeness—that’s God’s goal for us. Perseverance through faith-testing trials is the way. And the only path to developing perseverance is persevering.
Frankly, when I’m hurting my default reaction is to not hurt. I’m not much interested in enduring on to maturity. I just want to feel better. Give me a miracle-healing, God! But God’s got an alternate agenda. He wants to make us more like Christ. Isn’t that what Paul wrote?
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew
he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son,
that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
(Romans 8:28,29).
Our (at least my) reaction to faith-testing trials is “Get me outta here!” and not “Give me grace to endure so I can be mature!” Therefore, James admonishes and promises . . .
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to him.
(James 1:5)
Wisdom is ours for the asking! Now, briefly back to “joy” . . .
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).
James is not urging us to shout “Hooray!” when we hurt. My title, “Happy When It Hurts”, misses the mark. James is counseling us to wisely see the great good God is doing in faith-testing trials as we live dispersed in this world. And to consider that gracious work of God an occasion for pure joy.
* * * * *
Father in heaven, you know well how I react to trials and tests. especially when they drag on with no apparent hope of rescue. I know James’ admonitions and promises here. But I need more than knowledge. I need wisdom. Please generously and ungrudgingly give me wisdom from above by the Holy Spirit. Enable me to see beyond the hurt to the maturity and completeness you’re developing in me. So shall I be satisfied with your transforming work. May I persevere with joy, assured that you are saving me to be a creature more complete than I can now imagine. All glory is yours. In the name of your Son who endured for me, Amen.
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