Mature And Complete

Mature and Complete

By Pastor Russell Henderson

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.

[James 1:2-4 NIV]

James is one of my favorite books of the bible.  If you didn’t know, it is known as the wisdom book of the New Testament.  There are so many golden nuggets of truth all throughout this book.  James kicks it right off by teaching us how to mature in our Christian walk.  But maturity doesn’t always come like we might expect.  While it’s true that we do grow and mature through daily prayer and bible study, there is another key ingredient to growth that we often overlook—trials.

We don’t like to think about facing trials.  Trials can be painful.  They can be long and drawn out.  And they typically are no fun.  This word for trial literally means temptation.  Let’s look at how the Amplified Bible states verse 2.

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

James said, that we should be glad when we find ourselves surrounded by temptation.  How can we be glad in the midst of temptation?  I heard someone say once that the devil only comes after those who are doing something for God.  The enemy will do anything to try to get you to stumble because he knows what you are capable of.  So you can be glad in the midst of your temptation because you know that you have the potential to do great things for the Kingdom.

You might be saying, “But temptation is so hard to overcome.  Why would God allow me to potentially fall into sin.?”   1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us…God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.   God knows our limits, and he would never allow us to face a temptation that we were not strong enough to face with His power.  You also need to understand that temptation is not sin.  Jesus was tempted, but he never succumbed to that temptation.  But those temptations and trials prepared Jesus for his next three years of ministry.  God also has greater plans for you and me, and if we are ever going to realize those plans, there has to be a testing and a proving of our faith.

Have you ever listened to a minister that had such an anointing that you felt like Jesus, himself was in the room?  95% of the time that type of  minister did not get there on his own.  There was some testing and proving that he had to endure, but God allowed him to face situations that would make him stronger.

Friend, God has great things in store for you, and wherever you find yourself right now, He wants to take you even higher.  You can’t get there just by snapping your fingers or clicking your heels together.  It’s going to take some trial and testing.  During those times, hold on to Jesus, stay on your knees, and keep your face in the word.  If you are faithful to do that, you will find yourself on the other side more mature and complete and not lack anything.