James 1 | Lesson 1

We in Christ are brothers and sisters by new birth. This does not happen by biology but on a spiritual level. If we want to be in God’s family, we must obey His commands. God sends trials to develop perseverance. If we do the right thing, life will be hard. If character, strength, and perseverance are the goals, life will not be easy. God is in the process of refining us so that we will develop His character. We need to aim for maturity and work hard. If we are not trusting God, we should not expect Him to give us wisdom. If we want to know the will of God so that we can do His will, He will show us what we are to do. We are not God’s consultants. Instead, we are to take His orders and obey them. God does not rebuke us for not already knowing something. Instead, He will show us how to do what we are required to do. If we want to know God’s will, we must obey what He has already told us to do. We are not in charge of the future. God is! When we do God’s will, even the trials will be a blessing for us.