Don Carson, on James 1:1-18, suggests that we ask two questions:
[1] Do we want a God who is like a genie in a bottle, who does only what we wish? (In which case, who is God?)
[2] When we suffer, do we remember that God has given his Son for us? (He is not self-interested, but guarantees our good by what he has already given.)
Therefore, respond to trials by trusting him, growing in maturity, and looking ahead to what God has promised us.
“The truth of the matter is:
- God is more interested in your holiness than your happiness.
He is more interested in your faithfulness than in your financial success.
He is more interested in your purity than in your power.
He is more interested in your endurance than in your reputation.
He is more interested in your self-control than in your sexual prowess.
He is more interested in your eternal life than your external wealth.
He is more interested in your long term joy than your short term fun.
He is more interested in your good than in your desires.”
Don Carson, 1999
