This month, my team has been doing a bible study on the book of James. It’s great to be able to share and learn from each other as we grow in community. There are so many things that I have learned from James on how to live a life more like Christ. I just wanted to share some thoughts on James 1.
Before coming on the Race, I asked for letters of support that I could take with me. In Nepal, I opened one from my mentor about going through trials and hardship. In it was a story of a silversmith and how silver is purified. It ties directly into James 1.
James 1:2-5 says, ” Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
God is refining us like a silversmith purifies silver. The way to purify silver is to hold it in the hottest part of the fire to burn off all of the impurities. To know when the silver is pure, the silversmith looks to see if he can see his own reflection. As Christians, we strive to be as Christlike as possible. God refines us so He can see his reflection in us. We begin to act, talk, love, and live like Jesus did the closer we come to God. However, the process isn’t easy. The silver is held to the hottest part of the flame to become pure. In the same way, we are tested and face trials as we grow closer to God so he can refine us. We are held in the hottest part of the flame, so we can be refined.
So as you go through trials, remember that God is improving you. He is making you like a precious metal. The purest, the strongest, and the one with the least impurities. He is making you more like Him. These words have been so comforting to me while I’ve been on the Race. I hope they bring you a little comfort as well.
