James 1:4 - Mature and complete, not lacking anything

James 1:4 - Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything

In verse 3, James gives another reason why we should welcome testing and trials in our lives, perseverance or steadfastness. The word steadfast means the quality of being resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. One of the most common negative results when facing challenges in life is to give up, lose control of self and surrender. James however encourages the believer to be steadfast in trials and testing because one of the by-products of such an experience will be to make you and me unwavering in our faith and in our pursuit for the kingdom.

The Covid19 has thrown many of us here in Singapore and around the world into confusion, chaos and utter defeat. We in Singapore have for many years been sheltered and protected, even though most of the world was facing recessions or natural disasters. We thank God for our good government and sustained economical gro wth but the blessings has led, many of our churches to become complacent, rich and arrogant. But Covid19 has shown that no one is exempt from disaster when nature takes over. It has brought everyone, including the churches to our knees, begging God for mercy because we don't know if the next victim will be our loved ones or even me. Our jobs are insecure and our future uncertain, in spite of the many assurances from our government. And the common reaction – fear, worry and distrust.

In a situation like this, James tells us to be patient and steadfast. Let our trust be in the Lord and not to waiver in our faith. But most importantly let this patience continue throughout the trial and not give up halfway. Persevere till the end. Why, because it will lead us into maturity and we will not lack anything.

I think James in not talking about physical lack but rather spiritual. Spiritual maturity results in one bearing the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is something that money cannot buy and it is this that gives wholeness to one’s existence. When one is full of love, joy, peace…, he really lacks nothing in this world. When we go through trials, the Holy Spirit uses these experiences to mould out spiritual character to become more like Christ. It can be painful and torturous but the Holy Spirit is with us to see us though this storm. That is why we must persevere through the storm and not surrender halfway, otherwise the ripening process will be thawed and we only get half-baked cakes. But when the process is complete, its leads to maturity and the person will really lack nothing. That is why Paul was able to say the following when he was severely tested:

• 2 Cor 12:9-10 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

And Paul would further say in:

• Roms 5:3-5 - Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵ and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

So the next time you are going through a crisis, remember God is working out your maturity and be patient until the work in done. End result -  Mature and complete, not lacking anything