Meeting Trials (Part 3)
Not perfection but m_____
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My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.
James 1:2-4 (NET)
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Can we be perfect?
As a recovering perfectionist, I struggle when I see translations like this one talk about leading us to be made perfect.
I mean, I know that once we get to heaven our sinful imperfections will be burned away and we’ll be living the eternal life with Christ forevermore. So, there’s that perfection.
But what about being made perfect and complete now?
(Well, not now “now” — later “now.”)
Turns out, perfect isn’t the only justifiable translation of that word. It can be translated as “mature.” That helps me breathe out a big sigh of relief, because maturity is something I can do.
So, how does God lead me into maturity?
Testing my faith.
This makes sense, because it is the testing of us throughout life that leads us to display maturity.
The major business skills I learned along the way — whether in school, college, or on the job training — must endure some testing. It’s those tests that show if I truly learned & improved or if I just coasted on my laurels.
In effect, trials allow the fruit of the Spirit to be put on display.
Only mature plants can create ripe fruits. And only mature believers can display a fully ripened fruit of the Spirit, lacking in nothing.
And if I’m a mature believer, then I can be useful to God’s kingdom work.
What a joy it is to be able to participate in the work God is doing!
So, bring on the trials so I can get back to work (ha ha).
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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