James 1:2 KJV
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.”
I looked up the word “temptation” in Greek because its use in the English language doesn’t capture the essence of the word as it is used in biblical text. Temptation is defined as adversity, affliction, and trouble often at our weakest point. If we are not careful, temptation can cause a lapse in our faith and an enticement to sin.
I also found the word “peirasmos” and discovered that it has multiple meanings: an experiment, attempt, a trial. The trial is of man’s fidelity, integrity, and virtue, it is an enticement to sin, arising from, according to James, primarily internal desire or from outward circumstances.
The book of James is a book of practicality. If it were written today it would be in the “how-to” section of the bookstore. James is a book that leads, guides and directs its readers in an active exercise of their faith. It’s understandable why James took such a practical position considering he was Jesus’ biological brother and a nonbeliever until after His resurrection. It would appear that James wanted readers to believe as he did and diligently exercise their faith.
James says, and the Greek definition affirms, that temptations are diverse and many. Yet he says that we should count it as joy when we fall into temptation. To fall in this context means to be surrounded and engulfed. When surrounded by temptation, be excited because that same temptation has two significant results. One, our faith is strengthened and two, we develop a more mature relationship with Christ (James 1:2-8, 12-18).
Did you get it? We are all confronted with temptation. But even the most enticing temptation can be a time to rejoice, to build our faith, and to mature in our walk with the Lord.
My prayer is that your emergence from your temptations will result in your rejoicing. Make no mistake, when you get through those temptations, you will be so much better than when you first entered.
Be Blessed +++
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial &. Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen by phone” at 626-226-1448. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The Book at Book Blues.
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