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Trials and Temptations (James 1:12-18)
The Bible tells us that a crown of life
awaits those who persevere under trial. This is a reference to the
victor's wreath presented to winning athletes (1 Cor.9:25). The
crown of life is our eternal life, won for us by Christ (Ro.5:10),
gained by us through faith (Jn.5:24), expressed fully in works (Js.2:14-20).
Writing of the life of the new believer Paul wrote:
"We were therefore buried with him through
baptism into death in order that, just that, just as Christ was
raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may
live a new life" (Ro.6:4)
This is the life in which Christians rejoice and which we declare
to the world. But what does it look like? Christians can suffer
disappointment when life doesn't "work" the way they think it should.
We can feel that we are bad witnesses when people see us struggle
but we have already seen that the picture of the new life is one
of trials, endurance, perseverance and growth to maturity (Js.1:1-4).
It is not the struggle but what we do with it that defines our walk
and witness. Unbelievers often shake their fists at God when life's
trials beset them and there is a real danger for the disillusioned
Christian to blame God for their struggles with temptation and sin.
James reminds us, however, that:
"When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God
cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one
is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and
enticed" (Js.1:13)
There is an interesting parallel here with the first few verses
of his letter, as James describes how we are tempted and drawn into
sin. Just as the test of our faith develops perseverance and perseverance
brings us to maturity and completeness, so evil desire, gives birth
to sin which, when fully grown, gives birth to death. The contrast
between the two processes couldn't be starker; the truth couldn't
be more real.
God tests us but he does not tempt us to sin for the simple reason
that God cannot sin and, therefore, there is nothing in him for
sin to appeal to. Tests help us grow to maturity while temptations
lead to sin and death. Both begin with the way we think about the
world. Do we consider it pure joy when trials call us on to maturity?
Do we take responsibility for our sins and for giving in to temptations?
Or do we blame God for the trials and temptations of life?
James reminds us that all good things come from God (v17) who does
not change with the wind as we are wont to do (v6). Indeed, the
very wisdom we need to face trials and temptations comes from God
and James encourages us to seek God's wisdom (v5).
The new life is marked by growth as we seek God's wisdom to face
life's trials, that are there to help us grow, and as we stand against
the temptations that are rooted in our own desires. This is the
common experience of all Christians, and non-Christians know full
well the trials that life can bring. Enduring and growing, repenting
and resolving to be more faithful as we grow may be the best witness
we can give.
"Therefore encourage one another
and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thesss.5:11)