Count It All Joy – James 1:1-8

Every religious belief wrestles with the question of the normal suffering that attends life (not suffering for doing evil).  Islam, Judaism, and Christianity view trials as a purification factor, a test from God to bring out greater devotion to God.  Hinduism sees all such normal suffering as a consequence of previous lives lived, but also as a chance to learn and grow so as to escape the cycle of reincarnation.  Buddhism believes that all “suffering is caused by selfish craving and personal desire” and so we must learn to dispose of those cravings.  James definitely takes the perspective of Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:  Greetings.

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.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.   (James 1:1-8, ESV)

It would seem that this very early Christian letter is addressed to Jewish believers in Christ scattered throughout the empire.  One can imagine these being pilgrims who came for Passover and Pentecost at Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, who got saved, were meeting with the church, then went home to form churches in various regions.  James is seeking to disciple these believers from afar, addressing a variety of subjects crucial to spiritual growth, a primary theme being practicing what you believe.

A major issue for all believers is how we handle suffering.  Do trials tear us down or build us up?  Do they discourage us or do we have joy in them?  James’ contention is that the maturity trials produce should give us joy, because our priority in life is to become more of what God wants us to be.  If we lack wisdom to appreciate this perspective, we can ask God in faith to give us this wisdom.  Then trials will have their full effect, making us perfect and complete.