James's Directive to "Let Patience . . . "

Letting patience have its perfect work is not easy. It certainly requires wisdom, which enables us to see the value of our trials. We will talk about wisdom soon but first we should see the advantages of patience.

This letting patience have its perfect work imperative is necessary to turn trials into triumph that we read about is in verses five to eight. James wants the scattered saints is unswerving constancy. This characteristic will make us three things.

First. Unswerving constancy makes us perfect. It is related to being fit or appropriate.

The Greek word here is teleios – perfection toward a given end.

In the Old Testament, there were requirements for the sacrificial animal that made them fit for the offering. The animal was to be perfect. There could be no flaws, no discolorations in the skin, no broken limbs, no flesh wounds, etc. A perfect little lamb was necessary. The idea being that we do not offer something to God that is less that the best,

We are not perfect. We are not born perfect. We are each one born into sin as sinners. The way that we meet our life experiences will make us fit or unfit for the task which God has meant for us to do. Our life purpose.

Secondly. Unwavering faithfulness makes us complete.

Another Greek word here – holokleros – entire or perfect in every part.

This is also used in relation to the animal being offered to God. And also is regard to the priest in service to God. Again, it means that the animal or person has no disfiguring or disqualifying blemishes. The priest could not be crippled or maimed. Sin cripples us. We are disfigured by our sin nature, but faithfulness to God will perfect and complete us.

Gradually the unswerving constancy of the follower of God removes the weaknesses and the imperfections from the individual’s character.

Each day the individual conquers old sins, sheds old blemishes, gains new qualities, until in the end he or she is complete and entirely fit for service to and for God.

Thirdly. Steadfast faithfulness makes us deficient in nothing.

This Greek word is leipesthai. It is used to describe the army defeated, the giving up in a struggle, or the failure to reach a certain standard that should have been reached.

If the Christian meets his or her testing in the right way and doesn’t change direction, day by day he or she will live more victoriously and reach nearer to the model of Jesus Himself.

God’s goal for us is success. He wants us to be victorious. He desires that we remain faithful and true to the calling He has given to us.

Don’t quit now.