So we all agree it gets hot in the kitchen at times, right? And the suffering is going to come. It’s the main ingredient. See here if you need to catch up.
Point is, the heat is on.
But what are we supposed to do about it? Stop, drop and roll? That just doesn’t seem to cut it. And verses like this,
2 My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. James 1:2–4
Well, they just don’t seem to help matters.
I mean, why in the world would God ask us to “count it all joy†when we are going through trials?
2 things:
-
Character
-
Perspective
Through trials, problems, difficulties, pressure (whatever you call them), our character is refined.
“Thanks, I’ll log that away, Pastor Rob.â€
Don’t be too quick to discount what the Bible says about trials and character development. I know most people’s goal is to avoid problems, but some problems just can’t be avoided. Some trials almost seem to hunt you down. And how you come through these times makes all the difference in the world as far as who God is molding you to be (i.e. character development).
And you should care about developing godly character.
Why?
Because it’s the only thing you’ll take with you to heaven.
That being said, number 2 was perspective.
If your perspective or vantage point is earthy, than you will continue to go through trials and not learn a thing. Because your goals are comfort maintenance and problem avoidance. Unfortunately, a rather sad side effect of this is a lousy character.
So, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these “things†will be added to you.†Matthew 6:33
What things?
All the things you can never quite reach while living for yourself.
It’s all a matter of perspective.
What’s yours?
Earthly?
or
Heavenly?