not the same as happiness. It doesn't depend on our outward circumstances of life. Jesus reminds us that they who mourn will be blessed. This is no contradiction of terms for those who mourn over their sins are in deed spiritually healthy This should be the normal thing to do. It is the practice we must follow (I John 1:9). The Greek "endureth" is sim ilar to our "patience" which gives the idea of holding steady under fire; standing one's ground. Our natural impulse will urge us to give in to the enticements of evil. Our position should be to stand firm in Christ even in the midst of testings and trials. God literally pins a badge on the believer who comes through vic toriously. His offer is "the crown of life, which the Lord hath prom ised to them that love Him." This alludes to future blessing ahead as we faithfully and patiently await the glorious anticipation (Rev. 2:10). We can't help but note the cer tainty of the reward which James underscores. Rewards do not consist of ma terial possessions, although such, as well as physical benefits, often will accrue to those who live a godly life. The future award for the one who meets the promises of God will be a crown. This refers to a garland or wreath which is hung about the neck of the victor. It is a badge of success. The Olympics were quite common in Palestine and James was no doubt convers ant with athletic terminology. He draws on this picture to indicate what is in store for the winners in life's race. Beginning with verse 13 we switch to the subject of Satan's en-
sin and evil which would seek to dominate his life. He was a changed man. This is the theme of the pas- age before us. James, writing under the inspir ation of the Holy Spirit, uses two different Greek words to convey God's thoughts about trials and temptations. In verse 12, it is the idea of tribulations and testings, whereas in verse 13 through 12 it has the idea of an enticement to do wrong. As to the first sugges tion, Peter employs the same term (I Pet. 1:7, 8). We know that God tries us to prove the genuineness of our faith. This means will enable our purification as well as spiritual maturity. God's motives are always good and perfect. He has our best interests at heart. Temptation is often the instiga tion of the devil who wishes to bring us spiritual defeat (1:13-15). Eve's encounter in the Garden of Eden involved a temptation (Gen. 3:1-6). He will always seek to lead us astray as we find in I John 2 according to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. This is the same way he sought to destroy our Lord (Matt. 4 and Luke 4). In this 12th verse we read, “ Blessed is the man that endureth temptation." "Blessed" is a com mon New Testament term (Matt. 5:1-11); I Tim. 1:11, etc.). This re fers to the person who is spiritually prosperous. The blessed man is contented and prosperous in the Lord. To such a one the allure ments of sin have given way to a victorious life in Christ. "Blessed" is a characteristic of God's good ness. As believers we become part ners of His divine nature, sharing in the glory He has for us. Joy is Page 50
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