Learning James 1:2 In Every Moment
Regarding the central theme of my blog, "Where's Your Joy", James 1:1 - 4 would be my foundational scripture passage:
Fortunately, this commandment doesn't end without hope, although I must obey regardless. James gives us insight into Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." The word Dokimion describes proving, testing, purifying like metals, and is applied to our faith (Pistis). The result of this testing is Hupomone, which comprises perserverance, endurance, steadfastness, loyalty and patience. It's interesting to me that the word Katergazomai which is translated 'worketh' has the notion of a mechanism, or process in it, like God puts our faith in a machine, cranks the handle, and out comes patience.
This process, work, (or job, from Ergon) of perfecting me (finishing and completing from Teleios) is the responsibility of the process of patience, not only to do the work, but make sure it is completed. Phillipians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." It may sound redundant, but it can be expressed as completed 'completedness'. Not only are the various parts of us being perfected, but they are being integrated, as the word Holokleros describes. James sums it up in the last two words, leipos medeis -- not one part of us lacking, left behind, unaddressed.
To put this into practice, the Lord has willed, in His Sovereign Wisdom, to end my employment with my current company -- the entire office is being closed down. This will be my third layoff in three summers running. Ah, I think I'm supposed to be learning something from this...Where's MY Joy?
I have to confess that there was no joy to be found in me the first time around. Can't say that the second one was that much better (although it WAS better, thanks be to God). This time, however, I can honestly say that I'm relying on the Joy of Jesus Christ to be my strength and getting satisfied in Him alone. If God be for me, who can be against me?
So I am content in the Lord, but only because He has given me the ability to be content. I'm abiding in Christ the True Vine, but only because He grafted me in. My joy is looking UP!!!
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.The idea that I should see trying circumstances (Peirasmos) as sources of joy runs counter to my flesh, which says, "Run away!" every time. The word Hegomai is translated 'count' or 'consider', but has a stronger meaning than just give it a thought in passing. The idea is to look at each and every trial that surrounds me as a cause to rejoice, which includes thanksgiving. Moreover, that idea should be my ruling perspective on life.
2 My brethren (Adelphos), count (Hegomai) it all (Pas) joy (Chara) when ye fall (Peripipto) into divers temptations (Peirasmos);
3 Knowing this, that the trying (Dokimion) of your faith (Pistis) worketh (Katergazomai) patience (Hupomone).
4 But let (Echo) patience have her perfect (Teleios) work (Ergon), that ye may be perfect (Teleios) and entire (Holokleros), wanting (Leipo) nothing (Medeis).
Fortunately, this commandment doesn't end without hope, although I must obey regardless. James gives us insight into Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." The word Dokimion describes proving, testing, purifying like metals, and is applied to our faith (Pistis). The result of this testing is Hupomone, which comprises perserverance, endurance, steadfastness, loyalty and patience. It's interesting to me that the word Katergazomai which is translated 'worketh' has the notion of a mechanism, or process in it, like God puts our faith in a machine, cranks the handle, and out comes patience.
This process, work, (or job, from Ergon) of perfecting me (finishing and completing from Teleios) is the responsibility of the process of patience, not only to do the work, but make sure it is completed. Phillipians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." It may sound redundant, but it can be expressed as completed 'completedness'. Not only are the various parts of us being perfected, but they are being integrated, as the word Holokleros describes. James sums it up in the last two words, leipos medeis -- not one part of us lacking, left behind, unaddressed.
To put this into practice, the Lord has willed, in His Sovereign Wisdom, to end my employment with my current company -- the entire office is being closed down. This will be my third layoff in three summers running. Ah, I think I'm supposed to be learning something from this...Where's MY Joy?
I have to confess that there was no joy to be found in me the first time around. Can't say that the second one was that much better (although it WAS better, thanks be to God). This time, however, I can honestly say that I'm relying on the Joy of Jesus Christ to be my strength and getting satisfied in Him alone. If God be for me, who can be against me?
So I am content in the Lord, but only because He has given me the ability to be content. I'm abiding in Christ the True Vine, but only because He grafted me in. My joy is looking UP!!!
posted by RalphC at
11:22 AM
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