The effectiveness of a trial in the life of the leaders.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
As leaders, we're not often open to facing trials and hardship. But the Word of God, which always surprises us, once again goes against our yearning for a comfortable, trial-free life. These verses in James don't just say to go through one trial but many trials. And he still concludes that it must be a source of great joy.
If the text stopped there, it would be much more difficult to embody the instruction. The continuation of the teaching, or better, the biblical warning, says that when going through these trials, the result will be that we will grow in perseverance. Perseverance is essential for those who want to grow as a leader.
One of the most outstanding examples of perseverance in the Bible was Job. At the most critical moment of the trial he was facing, his wife said, "Do you still maintain your integrity? Curse God and die!" He replied, "You speak like a fool. Shall we accept God-given good and not evil?" In all this, Job did not sin with his lips. Job kept his integrity, for perseverance produced such equality in his life.
Leaders, let us not despise trials. Instead, may God grant us the sensitivity to see results in trials that attest to our integrity. Through trials, we will gain the maturity essential to lead by the name above all names, Jesus Christ.
Antonio Mendes
Church and Ministry Leadership Consultant
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