STEADFAST FAITH: The Power of Proper Perspective, Part One

Dear friends, 

I’m sitting in Nashville - with a view of the Cumberland River. My husband and I felt like a change of scenery would be good for us this weekend. It turns out, getting away and enjoying a change of scenery has helped me gain some perspective! In a way, that’s what today’s blog is about. It’s about a change of perspective. Sometimes we need to arrive at a change of perspective without a change of scenery however. Sometimes a change of scenery simply is not possible. In times like this, we need a new view and a change of perspective while remaining in the very circumstances that trouble us.

Take a minute and think back over the seasons of your own life. Recall any trials or hardships you’ve faced in your lifetime. Then reflect specifically on tests and temptations you’ve navigated just in the past month. For me, this kind of trip down memory lane makes me keenly aware of just how many different kinds of trials a person can face! James acknowledges this too! 

In the very first chapter, as soon as James humbly greets his dispersed and suffering brothers and sisters in Christ, he quickly jumps into a discussion of the various trials of life. It seems to have been the first thing on his mind. It is certainly the first thing out of his mouth! It is that one thing on the tip of his tongue. What stands out to me as well, is that he begins his discussion of trials by insisting that his fellow believers change their thoughts about adversity. He begins with an appeal for a change of perspective. Let’s look at how he does this!

Please take time to read all of James 1. Then let’s read James 1:2 together:

“Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”

The very first word is “consider” and is the first of 50-something commands in this book. James is instructing his readers from the very beginning! And remember, James is wise enough to know that his suffering audience needs more than encouragement - they need practical help - instruction, guidance, and direction for everyday life. 

As a counselor, I personally think it is particularly wise to begin with instructions on a change of perspective. We call it reframing. James starts with reframing while also redefining some important terminology. By doing so, he helps us set foot on the journey to a new perspective on adversity. Today we will begin this journey by noticing how James defines some very relevant terms. In the end, I hope we’ll all see the vast importance of properly viewing and defining the trials we face!

To “consider” simply means to “think.” A quick scan of chapter one reveals that James not only begins his discussion of trials with the word “think,” he also continues to focus on this theme of thinking! As a quick illustration, he uses the following words throughout chapter one: to consider or to think, to doubt, to be double-minded, to deceive, to deceive oneself, to suppose or expect, to remember, and to forget. Not to mention the theme of wisdom, which begins with wise thinking (and leads to wise actions). 

I think he wants us to think about our thinking! 

What does he want us to think differently about? Again, a glance at chapter one gives us some clear answers! He emphasizes trials. He even mentions tests and temptations, which are two specific types of trials. Like James, I think we need to be able to distinguish between tests and temptations! What is the difference? Well, almost everything!

First, let’s be clear that “trials” is a very general term (James 1:2). This broad term includes adversity, affliction, or trouble of nearly any kind. Trials are simply “trying” times. It can be private or public. Seemingly small or rather large. It can be physical, financial, relational, emotional, legal, political, and definitely spiritual. Trials can include tests, and trials can include temptations. Other than that, the only thing they really have in common is: they’re both hard! 

Now let’s clarify what testing is. “Testing” (James 1:2, 1:12) means to try or prove something. In Scripture it is often associated specifically with the testing of our FAITH. This is certainly clear in James 1. I believe James would have us think of tests as being sent by God Himself. I also think James would have us to understand that tests serve the purpose of proving our faith, holiness, and godly character. I guess you could say it’s an invitation to ‘do right.’ 

That encourages me! I find it encouraging that when God tests us, He already sees the faith and character He’s developed in us and wants us to see it too. Not to mention the witness it can be to others! And in the words of Paul, it could even be an opportunity to make the manifold wisdom of God known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 3:10)! Testing may be uncomfortable, but friends, it glorifies God!

Finally, “temptation” is very different from testing. I’m afraid we tend to confuse tests and temptations simply because they’re both so uncomfortable! But James makes it very clear in James 1:13-15 that God does not tempt anyone! Temptation is not from God! Think about the very purpose of temptation. It is the enemy’s effort to solicit sin in someone’s life! God would never do that! Evil is at work when we experience temptation! He entices our flesh in the hopes that we will fall. He truly is a supplanter. 

These simple definitions clarify that the trial of temptation is from the enemy and serves to solicit sin in our lives. The trial of testing, however, is from God Himself and serves to reveal the faith and righteousness that exists within His sons and daughters.

Think back on the trials of your own life once again…including the ones from this past month. Did some of your trials involve an opportunity to exhibit faith and godly character? Did some of the trials involve temptation to sin? And were both involved in some cases? Did you lack wisdom at times because you weren’t sure what to do? Can you see how a change of thinking in the midst of that confusion can help us act wisely when facing trials? 

Proper perspective can help us 

pass the tests and 

triumph over the temptations. 

With clarity, we are more faithful hearers and doers of God’s Word. With proper perspective we can persevere under trial and develop a steadfast faith in our ever-faithful, infinitely wise God.



Getting my thinking strait, 

Tina

P.S. Next time, we will look at how to consider it all joy the we face our various trials! For now, does this clarification on the trials of testing and temptation help you better understand the hardships of your current season of life? If so, how? Have you ever added additional suffering to a time of adversity because you misunderstood God’s role in your situation? Feel free to share your responses in the Radiant Women’s Group!