this is not a drill

James 1:9-15

9-11: Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

Depending on how God blesses us, we need to remember how to react. If we are from humble backgrounds (vs. 9) and trials/troubles come our way, we can take pride in our position through Christ. I grew up with a single mom in an apartment. Of course I wished we had more money and a bigger house. But looking back on it, those things wouldn’t have changed anything. I became a Christian in high school after attending church programs and youth group for a couple years. Perhaps if I did live in a bigger house or had more money, I wouldn’t have had the same mindset to want to become a Christian.

Those that are blessed with more money and bigger houses, etc need to take vs. 10 into consideration. Their material things really don’t matter to Christ. Those that are rich need to practice humility. Synonyms of humility are modesty and meekness. Humble yourselves before Christ and others. We do these things so that our focus is on the everlasting not the present. There are many Bible verses that focus on this...

1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

12-15: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

You might read that and think... wait a minute... God tempted me to ______________. God doesn’t tempt. He tests.

Here is something I found googling the differences that is helpful in remembering:

Trials are difficult events that inevitably come to every life. Trials are unpleasant circumstances that occur as a result of living in a fallen world. There are viruses in the air, disappointments in friends, and accidents on the road.  Peter wrote, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Pet 4:12-13)

A test is a difficulty sent deliberately by God to reveal the depth of our character and ultimately bring out the best in us. Gen 22:1 reads, “God tested Abraham” when He commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar.  A school principal may order a fire drill as a test. The purpose of the fire drill is not to burn the school down but to test the students’ ability to vacate the building in an emergency and to prepare them for potential disaster. The principal knows it’s a test but the students do not. God sometimes sends tests to mature us and enhance our witness. God’s purpose is that we pass the test and thereby gain confidence and provide a positive testimony of faithfulness to others.

A temptation is sent by Satan to bring out our worst. The word tempt means “to entice to do wrong by a promise of pleasure or gain” and is a deliberate enticement to sin. The devil’s goal is that you disobey God and are spiritually weakened. His desire is to eventually entrap you in sin so that you will suffer defeat and ultimately death.

While God temporarily permits Satan to tempt us, God is never the author of temptation and he always provides the means for us to be victorious over Satan’s crafty seductions. God permitted Jesus to be tempted so that He would identify with our experience and demonstrate victory. The Bible assures us, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

(http://www.bobrussell.org/2011/11/14/trial-test-temptation/)

So remember, we all may go through trials, tests and temptations. One thing remains the same in all of those situations... God’s love and plan for our life. 

Answer This:

1. Name a time that God was testing you. How did you do on that test? 

2. What does Melissa say here is the difference between a test and a trial? Do you agree?

3. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under _______ because, having stood the _______, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him”

Take a moment and journal about this. 

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Written by Melissa McKechnie