Perfect and Complete

James writes that we shall count it all joy when we fall into various trials. The goal of joy is not to have trials, but the effects of the trials give us reason to rejoice. The result of the various trials is that we become perfect and complete, lacking nothing. This is a tremendous outcome of one’s life on earth.

We can say that we are perfect and complete when we have been tried and have overcome in certain areas in our circumstances—that is, where we have found the will of God and fulfilled it. However, in all other areas where we have not been tried, we have not yet learned to know God’s will in truth; in those areas we are not complete. A new trial brings us further along the way of being more complete. We lack less after we have stood the test. Therefore we should count it all joy when a new trial appears.

When most people think of temptations, they think of the works of the flesh and its vices. Gal. 5:19. However, James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask . . . .” When a person is newly converted, there is a period of time when he is plagued by the lusts of the flesh which lead to manifest sins. However, this is not meant to continue for the rest of his life. Peter says, “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” 1 Pet. 4:1.

If we are faithful in the hidden life to put to death the lusts by the Spirit, we will be finished with them. Rom. 8:13. These kinds of temptations should not plague us for the rest of our life. It is not correct to say when you are tempted to fornication that you lack wisdom. We are all acquainted with this area from the beginning. It is the same with the other vices of the flesh. As long as you are plagued by these temptations, you are not fit to be a servant of the Lord. There are many who never become servants of the Lord, and it is for precisely this reason: they are not faithful in the hidden life before the Lord’s face to suffer in the flesh so that they can be finished with these things.

However, when it concerns bringing up children, for example, I think it is a trial for most people, and it is appropriate to say, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask”; also when it concerns one’s spouse or neighbor, and so forth. We need wisdom to keep Satan from gaining power.

The one who does not learn to know God’s will and wisdom through a trial is double-minded and cannot ask in faith. He is not just seeking the kingdom of God. He has two minds; he wants to keep his earthly interests, trying to unite them with God’s will. There are many who ask God to help them in this way.

If someone wants to be a servant of the Lord, helping people come to salvation and edifying the church, he will experience many such trials. Then it is appropriate for him to say, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask.” Happy is the man who is so devoted to God, bearing others’ burdens, that he comes into such trials. He will grow up to be a perfect and complete man.