"And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect, so that you may be complete, lacking in nothing." -James 1:3
“So that you may be perfect.” For those of us who are honest, this is a problem, because none of us will ever be perfect. We’re always going to struggle with sin. But, God’s Word is telling us, “Look, God allows you to face trials. He allows you to face times of testing so that you can learn endurance and perseverance, so God can shape your character into what He ultimately wants it to be.” In other words, we’re able to endure trials because we think about the end result.
It’s also interesting to note that the word for ‘perfect’ also means ‘maturity and completeness.’ God can shape us into mature believers, so that we can become complete. Understanding that, looking at the big picture, and looking at the end result, we can have the inner joy of knowing that it’s worth it all.
I really don’t believe that when soldiers are going through basic training, they really think it’s a lot of fun. As a matter of fact, they often resent that Master Sergeant that is putting them through misery. But when they get out on the battlefield and are able to be victorious in battle, then there is gratitude for what they have endured through those trials of basic training.
I don’t believe the football players getting ready for the season like two-a-days. It’s misery! But when game time comes and they are able to be victorious, there is a sense of gratitude.
By looking forward to those times, that gives us a sense of joy, even in the midst of trials, of knowing that God is doing something to better shape our character into more of the person He wants us to be – mature and complete believers.
Most of all, never forget the ultimate destination of being with the Lord for all eternity. No trial, no pain, only the joy of being with Him. That, my friend, will be perfection.
