Monday, August 8, 2011

James has got to be one of my all time favorite books to read. I think I get something new out of it every single time that I go through it. And if you know me at all, you will know that I am a visual person. I like to imagine what is really going on in a scenario.

I am going to share with you my "mental image" of what's happening here.

James 1: 2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 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 nothing.

Now when I first read this, the image the popped into my mind was a soldier. A soldier that knows he's about to go into battle, but instead of being scared and afraid, he lets out a giant fist pump and yells "Bring It On" and then runs out against the enemy, ready for whatever lies ahead.

This can be us. Who doesn't want to be proven steadfast. So if you're like me, you may have heard a word a thousand times, and even used it. You know generally what it means, and can use it in a sentence, but sometimes it's good to be reminded of it's true definition.


stead·fast

  [sted-fast]
adjective
1.
fixed in direction; steadily directed: a steadfast gaze.
2.
firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as aperson: a steadfast friend.
3.
unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc.
4.
firmly established, as an institution or a state of affairs.
5.
firmly fixed in place or position.

I listened to a podcast message today about the cost of your faith. This is a prime example of those "trials of various kinds". You may lose friends, or popularity, but in the end, you will be proven steadfast, to the Friend, that sticks closer than a brother.


No comments:

Post a Comment