In the last blog, we discussed the different Webster’s definitions for the words, perseverance, endurance, steadfast, and patience. All words used in different translations for James 1:3. However, we come to the conclusion that the best definition is when you researched the original Greek and derived the meaning from there.
As overview here is that definition again:
“THE CHARACTERISTIC OF A MAN WHO IS NOT SWERVED FROM HIS DELIBERATE PURPOSE AND HIS LOYALTY TO FAITH AND PIETY (REVERENCE FOR GOD OR DEVOUT FULFILLMENT OF RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS) BY EVEN THE GREATEST TRIALS AND SUFFERINGS.”
Sorry, I just realized in the last blog I left out part of the definition 
According to our definition perseverance and patience are a “characteristic”…so what is a characteristic?
Webster defines characteristic as “a distinguishing trait or quality.”
Stay with me for a minute…
How do we get distinguishing traits or qualities?
People like to say “I am stubborn, impatient, etc. because their Mom, Dad (insert person’s name) were that way.
I propose the reason we are like that is because of the time we spend with those people. There is an old saying that goes “We become like the people we hang out with, the music we listen to and the books we read.”
This in my personal opinion is the answer to how and when we start seeing the traits, i.e. characteristics, of God in us is when we spend time with HIM.
Remember we have said from the beginning that James is instructing the scattered in this letter on how to achieve spiritual maturity. Hopefully, as we continue our journey, we will see trials can be faced w/joy because when faith is added perseverance is the result. As perseverance develops the result will then become spiritual maturity.
However, none of this is possible unless you first belong to Jesus (He has been accepted as your personal Savior) and second you have surrendered to His Lordship in your life.
We will continue our journey through James this Sunday, November 21st. Jesus Cave at RBBC at 9:30am. See you there.
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