Steadfastness from Hardship

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 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 (ESV) The fact that the Epistle of James begins with this bold statement speaks to the climate and concerns of the early church. Indeed, the fledgling faith and scattered believers faced many challenges on multiple fronts. In light of those challenges, James exhorts the recipients of the letter to recognize that their daily tribulations create an opportunity for living in the power of the Spirit. For the first three centuries after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, Christianity was officially illegal in the Roman Empire. This illegality made it extremely difficult for Christians to practice their faith, and the dubious Roman justice system meant that persecution could come from anywhere at any time. Unfortunately, the history books are full of stories about brave Christians who were martyred simply because of their beliefs. Compared to the looming possibility of a perfunctory trial and public execution, modern-day Christians in the Western world seemingly are without complaint. Yet even though believers are no longer forced to dodge lions in the Coliseum, hardship in various forms is still a normal part of life. (It is important to note that there are parts of Africa and Asia where Christians are still severely persecuted.)

In essence, the types of trials faced by humans havent changed much over the years. Like the early Christians, people still must cope with death, disease, disappointment, and tragedies of all kinds. Since the burdens are similar, the key question becomes: How should todays Christian respond when faced with a tragedy or a crisis of faith? James reminds his audience that the hard times people experience present a unique opportunity to strengthen ones faith and experience steadfastness or, as in other translations,

perseverance, endurance, and patience. Perhaps what is most notable about James statement is his decision to not specify the type of hardship: trials of various kinds. In other words, any challenge is an opportunity to be steadfast and become more mature in ones faith. While those words may not be of great comfort to people in the midst of some fresh tragedy or seemingly immovable obstacle, life dictates that they eventually move on and find a way to cope. It is the choice of how to respond in the aftermath of those moments that truly defines a person; does hardship cause a retreat into despair or inspire a new leap of growth and understanding? The Epistle of James, rather than issuing a religious command, offers a pathway through adversity that is universally applicable. After all, hardship cannot be avoided or ignored; yet more than simple endurance can also be realized. By remaining steadfast in the midst of hardship, a believer can learn otherwise unknowable new truths about the nature of faith in God. With that new knowledge, the believer can even discover greater fortitude in the face of future hardship. For more information visit us at http://www.tellthemthatilovethem.net