Every
Good And Perfect Gift Is From Above
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you
know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let
perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not
lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask
God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to
you.
James
1:2-5
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because,
having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord
has promised to those who love him.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For
God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is
tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then,
after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is
full-grown, gives birth to death.
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and
perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through
the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits
of all he created.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone
should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because
human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get
rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the
word planted in you, which can save you.
James
1:12-21
Fifteenth-century monk Thomas à
Kempis, in the beloved classic The Imitation of Christ, offers a perspective on
temptation that might be a bit surprising. Instead of focusing on the pain and
difficulties temptation can lead to, he writes, “[temptations] are useful
because they can make us humble, they can cleanse us, and they can teach us.”
Kempis explains, “The key to victory is true humility and patience; in them we
overcome the enemy.”
Humility and patience. How different
my walk with Christ would be if that were how I naturally responded to
temptation! More often, I react with shame, frustration, and impatient attempts
to get rid of the struggle.
But, as we learn from James 1, the temptations and trials we face
don’t have to be without purpose or merely a threat we endure. Although giving in
to temptation can bring heartbreak and devastation (vv. 13–15), when we turn to
God with humble hearts seeking His wisdom and grace, we find He “gives
generously to all without finding fault” (v. 5). Through His power in us, our
trials and struggles to resist sin build perseverance, “so that [we] may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything” (v. 4).
As we trust in Jesus, there’s no reason to live in fear. As God’s dearly loved
children, we can find peace as we rest in His loving arms even as we face temptation.
How
might an attitude of humility and patience change how you respond to a current
temptation or struggle? How is it freeing?
Jesus, I’m saddened when I realize how often I try to face life’s
temptations and struggles on my own—as if I’m self-sufficient, as if I don’t
need You. Thank You for Your unending love and patience with me.
Our
Daily Bread – June 5, 2020