[Jas 1:2-4] How to be perfect and complete

Should we be joyful when we fall into various trials? To answer this question correctly, the meaning of the word "trials" have to be analyzed. James uses the greek word peirasmos to define trials, which means an enticement to sin, but it can also mean adversity or affliction. The next verse points out a different phrase to clarify a trial: the testing of faith. On top of this word, James applies the word poikilos (various, manifold) to explain that the trials can come in many forms. To rephrase the question, we can ask: Should we be joyful when we are enticed to sin or in affliction that affecting many different aspects of our lives? The answer is a unanimous "Yes".

James gives a short-term and a long-term goal to reason why we should be joyful in every trial. The short-term (not that short, though!) goal is to build patience (or endurance or perseverance, from its greek word). Patience/perseverance is something that can rarely be developed in this instant age. Most of the commercials out there offer easy and quick solutions for a lot of things. People, especially those who live in big cities, are forced to run in the fast lane. Yet many of us forget that God wants us to wait on him. We need time to stay still and silent, free from the busyness of this world, and to listen... just to feel his warm presence... But, people tend to only do this when they are in trouble. That is why in our uncomfortable situation or being under pressure, we can learn to wait on the Lord.

The long term goal of God letting trials come into our lives is to build up a mature faith. Patience develops perfection. James says that we will want nothing, a condition where we have got everything we need. And it is so true that actually God has given us everything we need to live (1 Peter 2:3). Look at a newborn baby. It has everything it needs to live on this earth: head, body, organs, and so on. However, the baby has to wait for a while to be able to use its legs to stand and walk. That is how God has granted us life and everything we need. We just need to learn to wait on him and be patient until the right time comes.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change, he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. -- Katharina von Schlegel