our attitude – Moment to Moment (Bible blog)

Our attitude in the midst of trials

Life isn’t always easy. We all go through trials and hardships. But in this passage, James tells us the attitude we should have in the midst of those trials.

What attitude should we have?

1. Remember that God is good. He is not trying to make us fall (James 1:13).

He is not a capricious God, one moment loving toward us, and the next being angry at us for no reason. Even when we are faithless, he is faithful (17).

And when he does allow trials in our lives, his end goal is that we will be mature and complete, lacking nothing (4).

And when this life is through, and we have passed through our final test, he will give the crown of life for all of us who love him (12).

And so with that in mind…

2. Trust him.

Like I said, his goal is to make us mature and complete, lacking nothing.

But in our trials, we sometimes lack wisdom. And so James says in those times, ask God, and he will give without hesitation. But we need to ask with a heart of faith. (8)

What does that mean?

Again it means believing that God is good. That he wants our best. And that his way is best.

So be slow to speak, complaining to God about our trials. Be slow to get angry at God for allowing our suffering and trials.

Rather, be quick to listen to him. And be quick to obey him. As we do so, ultimately, we will find God’s blessing, even in the midst of our trials. (17-25)

Finally,

3. Look outward.

There are other people suffering in this world too. Paul mentions the widows and the orphans (27).

But take note of those who are hurting around you and touch them too.

It’s easy to always look inward at our problems in times of trials. But let us be people that look outward.

Are you struggling through trials right now? What is your attitude?

Active listening? Passive listening?

What is your attitude when you hear a message at church, read a Christian book, or listen to a Christian podcast?

The Bereans showed us what our attitude should be.

The people here were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, since they received the word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11)

What did they do?

1. They listened eagerly. They wanted to hear from God.

2. They examined the Scriptures for themselves to see if what the speakers were saying was true.

Do we do the same?

When we read or hear God’s word, do we come with a spirit of expectation that God will speak? And are our hearts, minds, and bodies prepared to hear from him? Or are we tired or distracted by other things?

Do we merely accept what the speakers or authors we listen to or read say? Or do we carefully compare what they say to what the Bible says?

Even more importantly, do we make his word a daily part of our lives?

When God speaks to our hearts through his word, do we put it into practice, or do we quickly forget it all? (Quick! Try to remember what last Sunday’s message was about!)

What is your attitude when it comes to God’s word?

Don’t get me wrong. My purpose is not to make you feel guilty by all of this.

The good news is that even when we fail in these things, God is there to pick us up. It is because we often fail, that Jesus died for us.

But it would be good for us to remember the words of Jesus.

Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him. (Luke 8:18)