Standing Firm

“Why?” Sometimes a child’s every sentence demands an explanation of the previous answer. This relentless need to understand is evidence of a developing imagination and life experience. With passing years, we still ask “Why?” but usually we wait much longer for replies, especially satisfactory ones. Here James recognizes the careful, practical wisdom of giving answers to sincere questions–answers that will encourage perseverance and faith.

James returns in verse 12 to the question, “Why do we need to endure these many trials?” He has already highlighted the maturity that comes from faithfulness, and so now he introduces another reason: because God gives bonuses to those who love him more than anything. The prize, the hope of his acknowledgment in a life beyond the grave, outweighs everything we suffer temporarily in this world.

“If God is the author of everything, is he ultimately responsible when I fail the trial?” some might ask. “Does he effectively set me up to crash? Abraham and Job passed their tests, but they were heroes.” It is worth noting that the expressions “test,” “trial,” and “tempt” are all the same word in Greek. James is adamant that any divine testing has no evil intent. The problem is not the test, but the inner evil desire (14). Invisible craving produces the screaming infant sin, which grows into the full man, death. In contrast, James points to the generous, bountiful God first mentioned in verse 5. In a dark, uncertain, and threatening world, he is the unchanging source of things that are good. Through the word of truth, we are conceived spiritually for a glorious new birth. Amid trials, we cling to the knowledge that God has chosen us and that he cherishes us as his first fruits, the pinnacle of his creation.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matt. 26:41a). Where might your danger points be today? Ask God for his wisdom and protection.