Continuing on Toward Perfection: James 1:4

I have been working on a new book of Scripture to be translating.  To end this summer, I have begun work through the book of James.  The book of James was written for the purpose of instructing the diaspora Jews (those that left the area of Israel to a new land) to teach them the practices of Christianity.  Much of the book covers characteristics of work.  Martin Luther was in disagreement with the book of James because of it's strong emphasis on work that he felt it missed out on the teachings of faith. 

In the introduction of the book of James, the writer starts by identifying himself as James as well as stating the purpose of the book to "the twelve tribes scattered among the nations" (1:1).  Following this brief introduction, the writer proceeds to emphasize the necessity of trials and temptations.  These, according the James, produce perseverance (v. 3).  This verse then leads into verse 4 that speaks of growing in perseverance.

The NIV translates verse 4 to say, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  This verse seems to describe the importance of growth.  Growth that must reach a point of perfection.  The Greek word for "perfect" is teleion which is used twice in this verse.  Both times the NIV translates this word as "finish" and "mature." 

This word, teleion, speaks of the Wesleyan idea of sanctification.  Sanctification is a process that also happens in an instant, or what John Wesley called a "crisis point."  According to Wesley, sanctification was a continued process in life.  Even when we are sanctified by God's grace, we continue to grow.  As we apply this aspect of sanctification to this verse, we can see that Wesley agrees with what James writes about.

Sanctification is about growing and persevering through the tough times of life by living obediently to God's Word.  This growth sooner or later reaches a point where we are made "mature and complete."  However, it does not end there.  Our work continues on as we continue to "not to be lacking in anything" (v.4). 

Many people unfortunately misunderstand the concept of perfection.  We think that once we reach this point of perfection that we do not need to grow, or we think that we are done living in obedience.  This is not what sanctification is about, but it is about walking with Christ and realizing that you want nothing more than to be with Christ and to know about Him.  Sanctification is not something that we look to and hope will happen as we try and work for it, it is something that happens by the grace of God work in relationship with us.

James later goes on to mention about finding wisdom.  Wisdom is what we are to seek as we seek a relationship with the Lord to be with.