James 1:2-3, HCSB
There are few verses where I am more likely to respond, "I just do not see myself responding that way" than the opening verses of James. Yet no matter how difficult the imperative, it is Scripture and we do need to submit to God's will in this command, delivered through James.
We must also keep in mind the context in which James wrote his letter: The early church was facing horrible persecution, Christians being martyred for their faith was a common event, and the pressure was on. Living in a country where the worst likely consequence for sharing our faith is social rejection or, in extreme situations, getting arrested, it's hard to imagine such an environment.
Nevertheless, the fear of social rejection is real and, though they may take different forms, trials still challenge us each day.
I don't James is calling for spiritual masochism here; instead, I believe he's calling on believers to take a wider perspective. Rather than just see the current suffering, we should take a step back and see the greater good--the greatest good, God's glory--for which we are striving.
Yes, if we serve the Lord, we will be uncomfortable. We will face risk, heartache, disappointment, tears, suffering, and all that comes with discipleship. But to paraphrase Peter when Jesus asks if he and the other disciples want to leave along with the crowd that just departed, "Where else can we go but Christ?"
