Evidences of Salvation: James – Distractions complicate our perspective!

Even though this is embarrassing, it makes my point. I was in a store once that sold nothing but T-shirts with all kinds of slogans and pictures on them. I was looking at the shirts as I was walking through the store, then in my peripheral vision, I noticed someone walking toward me. I moved to my left, so did he. I moved to my right, so did he! Still walking forward and moving in various directions…but focused on the shirts…wham! I walked into a full wall of mirror! I was so distracted that I did not recognize the rude person was MYSELF!

Needless to say, I made a quick exit of the store, hearing the salespeople giggling, which I would have done also. Life is full of distractions, easily focused on when they are difficult or painful. 

James 1:1 From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings! 1:2 My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials

I remember the first time my discipler challenged me with this verse as I shared with him my latest “woe” of life. I did not “feel” like smiling and saying, “Yes, you are right, Praise Jesus!” 

That would be a normal reaction for a new believer, and he understood that. He gently shared with me how this perspective makes sense. 

*First, because it comes from the Creator Who made us, and He understands what really makes us tick when not affected by our sin nature. Maturity comes from real-life experience.

*Second, because this world is filled with woes, and no one gets an umbrella that protects them from all of it!

*Third, when we realize that living above the circumstances is what real freedom is! How free we are when our emotions and reactions are controlled by who we know we are in Christ, instead of circumstances being in control.

Consider these definitions:

Joy: 

Dictionary - A feeling of great delight or happiness.

Mine: Genuine contentment despite the circumstances.

Trials: 

Dictionary – An affliction or trouble.

Mine – Opportunity in working clothes.

If we employ the eternal perspective of what Christ has given us here and now, dealing with the world we live in, and eternally it will produce Joy no matter the circumstances. We have 24/7 access to the King of the universe for counsel, direction, and comfort. We may be nervous about dying (how it happens) but have no fear of death. It has been swallowed up by the Life of Christ and offered to us! 

The So What: What are you focused on right now? Are you relying on how you “feel” to handle life? What happens if you get sick, have a financial reversal, fail in a goal? Are you living based on what you “know” versus what you “feel”? 

Evidence # 1 – How you handle troubles is an “evidence” of what you believe