Challenged To The Core - Del Brixey

Ivory Soap was first introduced in July of 1879 by James N. Gamble as a “pure white soap” selling for 10 cents a bar. The name “Ivory” was inspired by Psalm 45:8 and the company’s claim that the soap is 99.44% pure was verified by independent chemical analysis. The writer of the book of James tells us that we can have a faith that considers it “pure joy” when we face the various trials of life. This type of “joy” filled faith; inspired by God, verified by countless saints as 100% “pure”, is available to any believer for free. It’s a claim that we can test through the “real-life” workshop of our lives.

Perseverance - “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3. Perseverance is the ability to stand up against opposition without wavering or giving up. It’s the attitude of a bull-dog that will not let go of its opponent. You can’t win it, buy it or give it; it’s only obtained through the “testing” of your faith. As your spiritual muscles bench press the trials of life you gain strength.

Under pressure - “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4. If we only exercise our muscles once or twice a year we will not have the best body on the block. The same is true of our faith. Our spiritual maturity is dependent on our faithfulness to work out. We can let the trials of life knock us around until we are beat up, cut up or knocked out of the game; or we can discipline ourselves to persevere daily using the pressures of life as a “spiritual gym” where we continue to build a faith that can hold its ground anywhere, anytime and against any trial of life. You can let pressure break you or make you into a diamond.

Reforms - “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:5-7. Getting from “flab” to “fab” in our faith can be an overwhelming proposition when we try to do it on our own. The good news is that we are not alone; God is our coach. He is on the sidelines willing and able to give us all the “wisdom” we need to succeed, if we ask. That’s right, all we have to do is ask God for His help and it’s a done deal if we truly believe that He will do it! Reform your thinking and God will reform your life.

Everyday life - “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him…” “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:12, 22-25. Miguel Cervantes in his book Don Quixote popularized an ancient proverb that states “the proof of the pudding is in the eating” which has been distilled in our time to “the proof is in the pudding”. Regardless of which phrase we might prefer this idea summarizes what James is saying about the link between faith and works. The “proof” of our faith is in our everyday life. When we persevere under pressure resisting the temptation to conform to what society dictates we are blessed; blessed with a clear conscience, maturity and even the ability to experience “pure joy”. We also become living proof that God’s promises are true. He gives us wisdom when we ask, strength when we need it and joy that the world does not understand throughout the process. Once you’ve tasted “pure joy” you will never be satisfied with “ordinary joy” again.

Now the work begins. Take some time this week to “check your pulse”. Examine your “joy” to test its “purity”. If you are falling short of “pure joy” don’t get discouraged because you are not alone. We all fall short; if didn’t we wouldn’t need a Savior. Ask God for wisdom believing that He can deliver and you will discover that “perseverance under pressure reforms everyday life”.