Called to Joy (1:2 Reconsidered)

In the light of this spiritual goal we can now return to the beginning of 1:2 and have an idea of what James means by consider it pure joy. Contrast it to some unworthy substitutes:

1. Denial. It is clear from James's own recognition of the suffering that he is not prescribing a mind-game to keep oneself feeling happy by denying the reality of the trials.

2. Complaint. Praying for deliverance from a trial is appropriate, but doing so with a complaining spirit is far from what James envisions for the Christian. The goal of becoming complete is too valuable to be approached with grumbling.

3. Self-pity. Continuing in obedience to the Lord's commands would certainly be part of perseverance, but doing so in self-pity is not worthy of the goal James has in mind. Obeying while thinking "Poor me!" is different from obeying with pure joy.

James's vision for spiritual victory may be faced clearly and courageously. He honestly believes that in the very midst of painful trials in the Christian's life, there is definite basis for joy. If one's goal is to become mature in Christ, and if that is a goal far higher and more valuable than merely avoiding hardships, then indeed consider it joy when you meet the trials by which you attain that treasured goal. We are called to joy!

James is at this point entirely consistent with the rest of the New Testament. Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure so valuable that a man would rightfully sell everything else to obtain it, and that the man would do so "in his joy" (Mt 13:44). Paul announced that we "rejoice in our sufferings" because "suffering produces perseverance" (Rom 5:3). Peter understood the Christian experience of rejoicing even in the midst of "all kinds of trials" (1 Pet 1:6).