Count it Pure Joy

Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2‭-‬4 HCSB

The scripture for today was verses 2 and 3. However we need verse 4:

But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:4 HCSB

We must complete the race. We have a goal before us:.vuctory, eternity. We can't stop, caught in a net because we don't dig deep enough to find the Lord's strength and purpose.

As a runner trains they must deal with their bodies: I am tired; I want to eat pizza; I want to go out on the town; I want a body like that person so I'll take drugs. It goes on and on. The goal for the runner is a gold medal in the Olympics perhaps. To win the medal there are strict criteria that the runner must fulfill.

As a Christian trains and perseveres through temptations and trials they become strong and endurance sets in. Lusts of all sorts will come against us. We must say "NO!" And keep going.

The result of endurance is completion. James himmself said: " You must be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing!" Jesus said: " You must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48

We have the Holy Spirit to help us. With Him we can do all things. Amen!