In the nursery rhyme, Mary Mary Quite Contrary, the Mary in question is asked how her garden grows. We might well ask ourselves how we are to grow in the Christian life. While the path of growth will be different for each of us, the principle of growth is clearly set forth in the Scriptures. For example, the recipients of the Epistles to the Hebrews are chastised for still feeding on milk when they should be maturing to more substantial truth. So many of the images used, such as trees and children, carry this theme of growth with them.
The trouble is that we want the fruit of growth but want to bypass the means of growth. We are like the man who wants six pack abs but doesn’t want the pain of doing sit ups or crunches. And that is the crux of the matter. We know that to see real growth will require work on our part. And perhaps, more importantly, we know it will likely involve some degree of difficulty and pain.
This is the connection that the Apostle James makes when he asks us to consider it a joy when we undergo trials of various kinds (James 1:2). Now we need to understand what he means by “trials”. These are not the normal inconveniences or struggles that are common to all people. This is not the traffic jam that makes you late for work. This is not the common cold.
James is writing to people in the Diaspora. They have been exiled from Israel. The reason for their exile is because they are followers of Jesus. That is, their trials are related to their faith in Christ. So when James and other writers speak of trials, persecution, or suffering, they mainly have in mind that which is caused by or connected to one’s Christian commitments.
To encourage us, James tells us that these trials, which are meant to diminish us or defeat us, are actually used by God to strengthen and grow us. He writes, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:3-4). The trials themselves are not joyful or pleasant. However, we can consider them in a broader perspective and count them as a joy because of the fruit they produce.
Saints, we shouldn’t go looking for trouble. However, our Savior made it crystal clear that we should expect to be persecuted for our faith. How could it be any different if they persecuted Him? While our message is ultimately good news, it has always met with resistance and opposition. Why? Because it calls people to account for their sin and it declares that they are not in charge because the true Lord and King has come. So, when the trials of our faith come, let us see them as opportunities to glorify our God and to grow in faith, in love, and in good deeds.
