I’m Not Yet Complete “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” -James 1:4
Trials will come. Expect them. Sometimes, they’re because of our own foolish sin. Sometimes, the sins of others. Many times, I’m sure, they’ve just been sovereignly and providentially sent to a) glorify God and b) produce patience in the one under affliction. Regardless of
how they come, we can be assured that surely
do come.
Jesus said,
“Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” -John 15:20
And indeed Christ was persecuted! Hung on a wretched cross to pay for my sins. So, what should I expect in this life? A life of financial security? A life of earthly prosperity? Should I be convinced by Joel Osteen and ilk that it’s my own attitude that keeps me from having my “best life now”. Were Paul, Peter, James, John, etc. rollin’ in the dough like Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, and T.D. Jakes? NO!
Elsewhere, while Christ was alone with His disciples, He said:
“Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:32-33 (My emphasis added)
Are these the words we hear from the false TV prophets and some local leaders of assemblies which call themselves Churches, who promise Christians that if they just have enough faith they’ll have wealth, good health, and “the life”? NO! Far be it from these “prophets” who cry, “Peace! Peace!”, wait…No…they scream words like “anointing”, “divine favor”, and even “Holy Ghost power” all in vain! They know not the Biblical definitions of such.
No, my friends, we’re not promised good health, nor wealth, nor even our next breath. Nay, true Christians
arepromised
persecution. (2 Tim 3:12) But what comes with that? Patience. Perseverance. Steadfastness. And what do those things guarantee? Eternal Life. You see, those whom God has elected, He’s called. Those He’s called, He’s justified. Those He’s justified, He’s sanctifies.
By prayer, study of the scriptures, application thereof, and by
suffering He sanctifies them and makes them holy. He’s conforming them to the image of His very Own Son! We hold to the
perseverance of the saints because it is by one’s perseverance they are proven to be God’s elect. What does steadfastness in trial afford us as God’s people? Patience. Perseverance. Perfection.
We know that
perfection, though, only comes when we’ve been glorified. In Romans 8 we read of that beautiful “Golden Chain of Redemption”. Predestined->Called->Justified->Glorified (Perfection). There is
purpose in all of our suffering. And not just a neutral purpose, no, a godly purpose. That fact alone should motivate us to be steadfast under trial. God be praised.
So let us endure our suffering in trials with great patience, and let patience take her full effect…that we may be perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing.