James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (KJV).
There are various ways that people measure maturity. For some, knowledge is the measure of maturity; however, when we examine 1Corinthians 8:1, we find that, “Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” Knowledge left to itself, has a tendency to lead people into pride. Having knowledge in of itself is not maturity. There are those who know Scripture and can quote it all day long, but lack the wisdom and understanding that is meant to accompany it -they cannot walk it out. Why? Because they have not been through the fire -they have avoided the wilderness where believers are tested. Love (charity) understands that knowledge is meant to be used to edify others; whereas, pride will use it to promote the self.
Another thing that people use to measure maturity is faith. But as we see from our opening text, our faith has to be tried or proven. Some believe that walking with signs and wonders following is another measure; however, signs and wonders are intended to confirm the Word of God -not the person’s maturity level. Just because a person is used in relation to healing or prophesying; for example, it does not mean he is mature, nor is it a stamp of approval from God. For example, Judas was one of the Twelve who did signs and wonders during Jesus’ earthly ministry, yet he was the one who betrayed Jesus. It was Jesus who said in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” The Lord is more interested in our ways than our works. Our works should follow our ways. Works alone may lead to pride and self-deception. The question is: what is in our hearts? The question arises: do we love God? 1Corinthians 8:2 But if any man love God, the same is know of him (KJV).
The trying or our faith produces patience or perseverance; patience produces maturity. By definition, “patience” means cheerful or hopeful endurance or constancy. It means to persevere, remain under, or a bearing up under in relation to things or circumstances. This particular word does not refer to the patience one is to have toward people. This word is associated with hope, the fortitude that does not allow one to surrender to circumstances, and give up under trial. Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “That tribulation worketh (produces) patience, And patience, experience (proven character); and experience, hope: And hope maketh us not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Proven character points to maturity, as it means genuineness or trustworthiness -showing that one is proven true. James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect (complete) work, that ye may be perfect (mature, or of full age) and entire (complete, sound, or whole), wanting nothing (lacking nothing). If we will embrace the moment that we are in while under difficult circumstances, the Lord will use them to bring us to maturity. It is during these times that he exposes those things that hinder our relationship to him. Those things that are hiding will come to the surface when pressure is applied. The book of James could also be known as the “Book of Exposure,” because it reveals to us those things that the Lord is trying to expose and remove from us, while teaching us to receive the wisdom required to accomplish the task. We will not be going into specifics in relation to what is being exposed in this particular blog, but it is mentioned for awareness sake. James 1:5 tells us to ask God for the wisdom, and he will fully give it to us (paraphrased).
Every so often, a person may ask himself if he is genuine. “Is my faith real?” “Am I faithful to God, and do I really love him?” Sometimes he feels like a phony; even if he knows a lot of Scripture. Our genuineness is not based upon our feelings of legitimacy, it is based upon what Jesus did, and our endurance to the end regardless of how we might feel from time to time. Love (AGAPE) is not based upon our emotions, it joys in the recipient without looking for a return; hence, it acts obediently whether or not it feels like it. It is independent from emotionalism. Just because a person may be in a dry spell does not mean that he is not genuine. The question is: is he still in the faith and does he still love the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength? The Lord is not very fond of hypocrites (actors); therefore, he will take people to the proving grounds -the wilderness. If you are wondering if you are genuine, you will find out soon enough.
