Thanks... GIVING

Today Pastor Ben chose to deliver a message from 1 JAMES 1:1-4.  Over the distractions of a growling stomach, uncomfortable heels, and upcoming afternoon birthday party, something very, VERY profound struck me.  Pastor Ben was delivering a word that could be considered - on all accounts - the answer to the human dilemma of why bad things happen to good people.

Let me start from the top...

In this text, James is writing.  There is much scholarly discussion of which James actually wrote this text; it is usually assumed that one of the two apostles named James wrote the actual letter; however the first apostle James was martyred est. 44AD, and the 2nd apostle has almost no biblical mention or relevance.  Most scholars have come to the agreement that this particular text was written from Jesus' actual brother James.  Yes, Jesus had a brother.  He was an adoring and willing disciple, and faithful servant.  He was described by Paul as as "the brother of the Lord" in Galatians 1:19, and as one of the three "pillars of the Church" in 2:9.  Jesus' brother was one important dude.

But what does brother James have to do with Ben's profound message?  I'm glad you asked.  

James writes, (NIV) "1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Now I'll give you the (BEN-I-V) version.  Ben urged us all to be thankful for the trials God has placed before us.  The hardships we face? Consider it JOY.  The sorrows? Consider it JOY.  The setbacks? The pain? All JOY.  Be THANKful.

Why? Because whatever trials you are going through, they are designed to help you persevere.  To achieve.  To overcome.  To become a living testimony of faith.  A complete work in Christ.

And who better to let you know - that once you have run through the darkened tunnel of trial and tribulation; and through faith are guaranteed to be a complete work, lacking nothing - but the ultimate champion of Jesus, his own disciple? His own brother?  

And in the end, once we have kept the faith, passed the test, and let perseverance finish its complete work in us... what greater reward do we have than the opportunity to GIVE THANKS.

James did.  And so should we.

Until we meet again, keep on praising...

~ Christine.

NOTE:  The speculation that this text was written by Jesus' actual brother James is a product of my research and my commitment to deliver biblical fact as I discover it.  I ask that you all remember that I, like you, am a student of Christ and have much to learn.