Quenching a parched soul ∙

Quenching a parched soul ∙

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. – Psalms 63:1

Psalms 63:1-8

 1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

 2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.

 3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life; My lips will praise You.

 4 So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

 5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.

 6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches,

 7 For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings, I sing for joy.

 8 My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.

When you think of a desert or wilderness, you imagine a dry, hot, and arid landscape. Average temperatures range from 110°F to 120°F. Furnace Creek in Death Valley holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth: 134°F (56.7°C) on July 10, 1913. Mitribah in Kuwait recorded a temperature of 129.2°F (54°C) on July 21, 2016, and Ahvaz in Iran reached 129°F (53.7°C) on June 29, 2017. These extreme conditions serve as a vivid backdrop for the spiritual journey described in the Psalms.

Deserts are not defined by their temperatures but by their scarcity of water. Surprisingly, the Antarctic is classified as a cold desert, getting only 2 inches of rain a year, which is less than the Sahara. In some areas of the Atacama Desert in Chile, there has never been a recorded instance of rainfall.

The Judean Desert, a desolate wasteland, is not just a physical place but a profound metaphor for the barren spiritual wilderness. It is a place devoid of water and life, rugged and desolate, a hostile environment. The extreme thirst it induces is a powerful analogy for the profound yearning for the Father, a thirst that can only be quenched by His presence.

During this time of loss and separation, David did not dwell on his personal failures and regrets or complain about the discomforts and dangers of the wilderness. Instead, he steadfastly clung to his faith and love for the Father. Rather than feeling discouraged, he was filled with anticipation about his relationship with the Father, longing for close intimacy and having unwavering confidence that God would guide him through this difficult time.

REFLECT & PRAY

Without a doubt, we often reach our limits and come to the end of ourselves. We hit a wall and fall apart. We struggle with external challenges, internal frustrations, and anger.

Father, encourage us to be like David. He could recall Your delightful warmth and lovingkindness. His heart had been cultivated through a lifetime of devotion, and it showed in times of need. Simply put, David deeply loved You, his Father God.

INSIGHT

The Hebrew verb shachar is translated as “seek, earnestly seek,” conveying the idea of diligently looking or searching for something. This verb is derived from the Hebrew noun shachar, which interestingly means “dawn” in English.

When used in the context of seeking God, it implies an eagerness to seek time with Him early in the morning, as indicated in Psalms 130:6: “Early I will seek You” (NKJV). This suggests a deep longing and eagerness to prioritize seeking God’s presence and guidance at the beginning of each day.

Today, we might say, “It is at the top of my priority list,” or “I will do it first thing tomorrow,” or “I’ll get right on it.”

For David, seeking the Father and spending time in fellowship with Him was his top priority.

Spending time with the Father early in the day often sets the tone and prepares us for whatever He has in store for us. During our early morning time with the Father, He frequently prepares us for the divine appointments or challenges we may face that day. Only God knows everything that will happen before it occurs, and He has an itinerary for each child of the King every day of their lives.

Pause for a moment and visualize the Father as a spiritual concierge. Instead of asking Him how to achieve our plans for the day, we ask Him what He wants us to do.

Many individuals commonly label time spent with the Father as their “quiet time” or “personal worship time,” during which they seek solitude and engage in spiritual reflection, prayer, or meditation.

David’s attitude and spiritual appetite were extraordinary. How did this develop? It was nurtured during the formative years of his life through regular, repeated, frequent worship.

How did David worship the Father? If you outline many of his Psalms, a pattern emerges. David praises the Father for Who He is, for what He does, and most importantly, for what the Father has done and is doing in David’s life right now.

Examining his Psalms reveals a clear pattern. He praised the Father for Who He is in all His majesty and holiness.

Psalms 8:1 O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.

Psalms 19:1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his handiwork.

Psalms 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

David extolled the Father for what He does.

Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

Psalms 138:2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.

Most importantly, David celebrated what He does for him in his daily experiences.

Psalms 32:5 I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Psalms 34:4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

David’s worship begins with gratitude, awe, respect, and admiration. It reflects an intimate and vibrant relationship with the Father, and David thanks the Father for His involvement in his life. Only then does he intercede with Him.

As Wiersbe notes, “It is regular worship and dependence that prepares us for the crisis experiences of life.”

“What life does to us depends on what life finds in us” (Wiersbe). David’s heart was filled with a deep love for the Father and a desire to please only Him. David had seen the Father’s power and glory previously. What He had done before, He would do again. David had great faith that he would be able to see the Father’s power and glory in the wilderness as well!

David had no religious artifacts with him in the wilderness. He looked beyond material objects and saw spiritual realities. With only his longing heart, uplifted hands, and worshipful spirit, David chose to sing praises to the Lord rather than succumb to sorrow, worry, or complaints.

“The longing of these verses is not the groping of a stranger, feeling his way towards God, but the eagerness of a friend, almost of a lover, to be in touch with the one he holds dear. The simplicity and boldness of Thou art my God is the secret of all that follows . . .” (Kidner).

David shows us the way. He thirsted and longed for the Father. The Father quenched his thirst.

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© Dr. H 2024

Fools and the apple of His eye ∙∙

Fools and the apple of His eye ∙∙

For thus says the LORD of hosts, He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. – Zechariah 2:8

Jeremiah 31:35-37

 35 It is the LORD who provides the sun to light the day and the moon and stars to light the night, and who stirs the sea into roaring waves. His name is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, and this is what he says:

 36 “I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish the laws of nature!”

 37 This is what the LORD says: “Just as the heavens cannot be measured and the foundations of the earth cannot be explored, so I will not consider casting them away for the evil they have done. I, the LORD, have spoken!

Over the years, presidential administrations in the United States, regardless of political affiliation, have embraced the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism. IHRA stands for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

Kara C. McDonald, a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, announced on February 1, 2021, that the current administration would do likewise. McDonald said, “We must educate ourselves and our communities to recognize anti-Semitism in its many forms so that we can call hate by its proper name and take effective action. That is why the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism, with its real-world examples, is such an invaluable tool.”

The IHRA’s working definition of anti-Semitism serves as a guideline to help the public and government identify both traditional and modern forms of anti-Semitism.

Current examples of criticism of Israel include comparing Israel to the Nazis, labeling Israel as racist, and holding Israel to standards not applied to other countries. Unfortunately, such anti-Israel sentiment often morphs into anti-Semitism.

The ability to recognize subtle forms of anti-Semitism in today’s world is essential for effectively addressing them. However, others strongly disagree. They argue that this approach brands all criticism of Israeli policy as anti-Semitic. Americans for Peace Now, which frequently criticizes Israeli policy, claims that the definition is “already being abused to quash legitimate criticism and activism directed at Israeli government policies.” They assert that criticism of Israel is not inherently anti-Semitic.

The IHRA definition clarifies that it should not be used to restrict legitimate speech. “However, what it does is clearly state the truth, which is that oftentimes criticism of Israel is a proxy for criticism of Jews” (William Daroff).

REFLECT & PRAY

Is it better and wiser to be on the right side of history, whatever that may be, or on the right side of prophecy?

Father, thank You for the choices that You have made. Thank You for considering me precious in Your sight and giving me the right to be called Your child.

INSIGHT

It is essential for each child of the King to thoughtfully consider and take a stand on modern manifestations of ancient anti-Semitism. Four thousand years ago, the Father made an unconditional promise concerning the Chosen People, the Nation of Israel.

Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt.

Nations have disregarded this fact for millennia to their own peril. Nothing has changed!

Zechariah 2:8 After a period of glory, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies sent me against the nations who plundered you. He said, “Anyone who harms you harms my most precious possession.”

Zechariah 2:8 Anyone who touches you touches the apple of his eye.

Deuteronomy 32:10 He found him in a desert land and in the howling waste of the wilderness; he encircled him, cared for him, and kept him as the apple of his eye.

The phrase “The apple of His eye” originates from Deuteronomy 32:10 and uses the term “apple” to refer to the pupil of the eye, which is particularly vulnerable and requires careful safeguarding. This metaphor symbolizes God’s watchful care over Israel, as they are precious to Him and under His protection (BKC). “God is so closely identified with his people that they are precious to him, and he is zealous to protect them and take care of them (cf. Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalms 17:8; Matthew 25:34-45; Acts 9:1, 4-5)” (EBC).

The Hebrew word translated as touches is shalal. Shalal is a harsh, pugnacious word. It has the sense of harming, plundering, insulting, striking, or taking captive. The verb Touches in this context connotes “harms.” Thus, it has the sense that “Anyone who harms my people harms what is most precious to me.”

How foolish to attempt to battle with the Lord God Almighty and do Him harm. Anyone who tries to harm what is precious to Him does precisely that. The Father is so closely identified with His people that they are precious to Him, and He is zealous to protect them and care for them (Kenneth L. Barker).

Is it possible for the Father to cancel His promises and commitment to the Jewish people?

Hypothetically, what would it take? The Father has unequivocally answered that question for all time and eternity. It would take nothing less than the destruction of the natural and physical laws of the universe.

Jeremiah 31:36-37

 36 “I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish the laws of nature!”

 37 This is what the LORD says: “Just as the heavens cannot be measured and the foundations of the earth cannot be explored, so I will not consider casting them away for the evil they have done. I, the LORD, have spoken!

They are secure in the Father’s love, and nothing will ever change that as long as the Father lives. The apostle Paul uses the Father’s unwavering commitment to the Nation of Israel to illustrate that each child of the King is also secure. If Israel is secure, so are we. If Israel is not secure, neither are we.

Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Romans 11:1-29

 1 I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.

 2 No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this?

 7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have – the ones God has chosen – but the hearts of the rest were hardened.

 11 Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves.

 25 I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ.

 28 Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

 29 For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.

As the Father called and designated the Nation of Israel as His Chosen People, the Father has called and chosen each child of the King.

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© Dr. H 2024

Feeling desperate? ∙

Feeling desperate? ∙

I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. – Psalm 13:5

Psalms 13:1-6

 1 O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?

 2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

 3 Turn and answer me, O LORD my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.

 4 Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

 5 But I trust in your unfailing love, your lovingkindness. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

 6 I will sing to the LORD because he is good to me.

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. From the desperate city, you go into the desperate country and have to console yourself with the bravery of minks and muskrats. A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind” (Henry David Thoreau).

“Nowadays, most men lead lives of noisy desperation” (James Thurber).

What should you do when you feel desperate?

“When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on” (Theodore Roosevelt).

David had a better approach. He frequently faced frustration, fear, despair, and desperation, but he persevered and worked his way through it.

Over time, David learned to trust the Father in every situation, even when he felt abandoned and alone. His confidence in the Father’s unfailing love grew. He developed the habit of rejoicing amid his difficult circumstances (Psalms 13:5).

When we find ourselves backed into a corner, weary from life’s relentless challenges, we often start to question everything. We question our own worth and identity. We question the faithfulness and loyalty of those around us. But most of all, we have serious doubts about the Father’s love and involvement in our lives. Is He really there for us? So often, we ask, “Where is God while my life is falling apart? Why has God abandoned me?” (Johnston).

And so it was with David. In Psalms 13, David pleads and challenges four times with the question, “How long?”

How long will you forget me?

How long will you look the other way?

How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul?

How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

How long do we ask the Father, “How long?”

David felt ignored and neglected, forsaken and downcast. In his despair, he began to believe that the Father was hiding from him. He alludes to his unseen presence in the private recesses of his heart. He feels separated from the Father after experiencing a sweet, intimate walk with Him. David’s sense of estrangement is so intense that he can hardly bear the anguish. It interferes with his breathing, and pain grips his heart. David cries out from the depths of his soul, “Look at me! Answer me!” His plea is an urgent request for an answer now. David feels like he is on the verge of destruction. In desperate need, he cries out for complete deliverance. He begs to survive now (Terrien)!

This is one of the mysterious ways of the Father. As we grow and develop spiritual maturity, we come to understand it as part of the maturation process. “At times, we might feel as though God has slammed the door to heaven in our face. Yet these times do not last. Often, He is testing us to see if we will continue to follow Him, regardless” (Stanley).

Eventually, many of our questions are answered, and we gain perspective and understanding. We acquire wisdom that can only be obtained through periods of isolation.

REFLECT & PRAY

How do we rise above our doubts, questions, and frustration? David shows the way. David feels frustrated and questions the Father. But then a transformation occurs. Something remarkable happens. His questions turn into prayers, and his prayers become acts of worship. Truly extraordinary!

Father, thank You for allowing us to ask questions. Help me transform my questions into worship, praise, and trust in You.

INSIGHT

Almost everyone can relate to David’s desperation and doubts. Desperation has been part of the human experience since the Fall. It is part of the curse. We live in a fallen world, and we are fallen creatures. However, not everyone has found accurate help by turning to the living God, our heavenly Father. In desperate and lonely situations, David shows us the way to find hope when it seems elusive.

“The Christian life thrives on both memory and hope. We remember how God has shown us mercy in the past, and so we look forward to how He will save us in the future” (Stanley).

No matter how great the pressure, the choice remains ours, not the enemy’s. The Father never changes; His lovingkindness is everlasting.  David “entrusts himself to this pledged love and turns his attention not to the quality of his faith but to its object and its outcome, which he has every intention of enjoying. David’s certainty, faith exercised, looks back at the whole way he has been led” (Kidner).

Do not be afraid to ask difficult questions. The Father already knows what is in your heart and patiently and lovingly hears them all, even when you are angry. Often, a miraculous transformation takes place as we transition from doubt to confidence. Voicing our doubts can become a spiritual catharsis, freeing us from desperation and isolation.

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© Dr. H 2024

Is integrity selective? ∙

Is integrity selective? ∙

Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. – Proverbs 11:3

Genesis 39:5-10

 5 From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the LORD began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished.

 6 So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing– except what kind of food to eat! Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man,

 7 and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded.

 8 But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household.”

 9 “No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”

 10 She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible.

People with integrity behave differently from most others. They are consistent, stable, and unwavering. Their actions align with their words, making them excellent role models. When something needs to be done, they show up, take initiative and responsibility, and do what needs to be done.

5 Things People with Integrity Do Differently

(excerpted from https://www.powerofpositivity.com/)

1. They do what they say they will do.

Have you ever failed to follow through on a promise? People with integrity inspire us because they consistently keep their word. They commit to their promises and act accordingly.

2. They stand up for what is right.

They possess an intrinsic sense of justice and strive to balance the scales. When someone in power abuses power, people with integrity defend the powerless, combat injustice, and stand up for those mistreated.

3. They look in the mirror and commit to positive change.

Self-evaluation is crucial, and people with integrity hold themselves to the same standards as they hold others. They acknowledge their imperfections and work to improve areas that need change.

4. They take ownership of solving problems, even when the fault lies elsewhere.

People with integrity often step into leadership roles when no one else will. Even if they didn’t create the problem, like trash left in a hallway, they take responsibility and address it.

5. They act sooner rather than later.

People with integrity don’t wait to take action. They are proactive, often being the first to jump in and help others whenever possible.

Integrity is all about consistently doing the right thing. It means being reliable, dependable, and steadfast. Integrity encompasses honesty, strong moral principles, and uprightness. It is a personal commitment to uphold consistent moral and ethical standards.

Some may claim they possess integrity and transparency, but often, these claims are only acted out when convenient. True integrity is consistent, unwavering, and not selective.

While the Lord Jesus Christ did not explicitly use the word “integrity,” His teachings are filled with the concept of integrity: purity of heart(Matthew 5:8), singleness of purpose (Matthew 6:22), and purity of motive (Matthew 6:1-6).

REFLECT & PRAY

Some character traits and virtues require that we be “all in.” Integrity is one such attribute. Wishful integrity is selective; genuine integrity is unswerving, not selective.

We cannot choose to have integrity only when it is convenient or when we feel like it; true integrity demands unwavering commitment.

Father, I understand what genuine integrity is, and I aspire to it. Encourage and enable me to be consistent.

INSIGHT

Proverbs 12:27 The precious possession of a man is diligence.

Joseph was a man of integrity, intelligent, competent, and well-regarded. He consistently trusted the Father and made the best of his circumstances, whether good or bad. His character and abilities brought him opportunities.

Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

But the very same qualities also brought temptation into his life.

Genesis 39:7 Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded.

Joseph’s integrity is evidenced in his response.

Genesis 39:8-9

 8 But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household.”

 9 “No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”

Joseph showed unwavering integrity when he resisted daily pressure from Potiphar’s wife to sleep with her. He remained steadfast and never compromised his principles, demonstrating that his integrity was resolute and not selective.

Genesis 39:10 She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible.

Joseph demonstrated courage and determination in living out his integrity. Because of his loyalty and devotion to the Father, he would not capitulate. He recognized that yielding would be a great sin against the Father.

Wishful integrity had matured into genuine integrity. His self-control became a stepping stone to future leadership and the fulfillment of his dreams when he was a naïve, haughty, self-centered young man.

The time you spend alone with the Father will transform your character and increase your devotion. Then, your integrity and godly behavior in an unbelieving world will make others long to know the Lord (Charles Stanley).

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© Dr. H 2024

Unswerving constancy ∙∙

Unswerving constancy ∙∙

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life God promised those who love him. – James 1:12

James 1:2-4

 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Life is filled with challenges, and we frequently face obstacles along the way! A wise sage once said, “Cripple a man, and you have Sir Walter Scott. Lock him in prison, and you have John Bunyan. Bury him in the snows of Valley Forge, and you have George Washington. Raise him in poverty, and you have Abraham Lincoln. Strike him down with infantile paralysis, and he becomes Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Burn him so severely that doctors say he will never walk again, and you have Glen Cunningham, who set the world record in 1934 for the outdoor mile. Deafen him, and you will have Ludwig van Beethoven. Call him a slow learner, retarded, and write him off as uneducable, and you have Albert Einstein” (John C. Maxwell).

Is there an effective strategy to deal with life’s vicissitudes and struggles? A shortsighted solution is to try to change your circumstances; many attempt to avoid challenges as much as possible. Yet, trials have a knack for following us wherever we go. A better, more lasting approach is to allow the Father to change us rather than trying to change our circumstances. Our greatest enemy is not adversity itself; instead, it is how we respond to adversity. It’s not difficulties or adverse conditions that mess us up but our reactions to them.

The Scriptures provide a viable way forward: a distinct blend of patient endurance, relentless determination, and hard-charging perseverance.

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial.

The Greek term translated as persevere, endure, or patience is hupomene. It means to strive, outlast, and resist by holding one’s ground.

The KJV translates hupomene as patience, but patience is far too acquiescent and compliant and a term to represent hupomene adequately. Hupomene isn’t about merely enduring the storm and hoping for brighter days. It doesn’t just passively ride out difficulties and wait for better times. Instead, hupomene responds assertively. Rather than simply tolerating difficult circumstances, hupomene is the ability to transform challenges into opportunities for greatness. Its essence is captured in the phrase, “We shall overcome.” “When Beethoven faced the threat of deafness, the most dreadful affliction for a musician, he declared, ‘I will take life by the throat.’ That is hupomone” (Barclay).

A two-word definition of hupomene is unswerving constancy.

But there’s more. “If Christians meet the testings of life in the steadfast constancy which Christ can give, life becomes infinitely more splendid than ever it was before. The struggle is the way to glory, and the very struggle itself is a glory” (Barclay).

REFLECT & PRAY

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other” (Walter Elliot).

Father, I am so incomplete. I desire to be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Teach and encourage me to respond appropriately to the trials and difficulties You send my way.

INSIGHT

What is the purpose of going through trials?

Trials help develop our character.

James 1:2-4

 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance has its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

When trials and challenges confront us, they serve as a test of our faith. Such tests can evoke two distinct responses. When we face them with the appropriate attitude and approach, they prove innocuous and result in what we desire most: endurance, which is hupomene. As hupomene thrives, it leads us to the ultimate goal the Father sets – to become perfect, complete, and lacking nothing. Hupomene makes us whole.

The Greek term teleios, translated as perfect, connotes maturity, completion, or wholeness. It does not mean being without flaws or errors, but it signifies maturity and completeness. It implies an ongoing process. In this sense, being perfect is not the opposite of being imperfect; instead, being perfect is the opposite of being incomplete.

The Greek word translated as complete is holokleros. When something is holokleros, every part is totally complete. It is whole, entire, and lacking nothing. The Greek term translated as lacking is leipo. Leipo means to be deficient, wanting, or incomplete.

No one becomes complete, whole, or mature overnight. It is a slow, incremental process. When the developmental process is finished, we are fully formed; we have everything we need. We lack nothing.

Imagine a caterpillar snugly encased within its chrysalis, undergoing a profound transformation into a beautiful, lithe butterfly. Only when the metamorphosis is finished, and all the parts are fully formed, does it emerge and fly away, leaving behind the confines of its former self.

“As the athlete ‘endures’ bodily stress in order to achieve a high level of physical endurance, so the Christian is to endure the trials of life in order to attain the spiritual endurance that will bring perfection” (Moo).

“What James is suggesting, then, is that the Christian must practice ‘steadfastness’ in order to achieve a settled, steadfast character” (Moo).

The Father uses trials and tribulations to discipline, that is, child-train every daughter and son of the King. Frequently, we find ourselves pushed to the limits of our abilities, brought to the end of ourselves. He shatters our self-reliance, dismantles our pride, and redirects our waywardness. When we respond appropriately to these challenges, we undergo an internal metamorphosis. We come to rely entirely on the guidance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through the workings of the Holy Spirit within us, He exchanges our human weakness for His supernatural strength, creating strength from our weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 9 “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

 10 . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong.

James offers each child of the King a glimpse into our ongoing transformation as He guides us toward becoming all that the Father envisions for us. Once this transformation reaches its culmination, we are approved. The term “approved” in Greek is dokimos. Historically, when precious metals and coins underwent rigorous testing and were found to be authentic, they were labeled as dokimos.

They had withstood the test, proving their authenticity. They had passed the test, were approved, and were considered genuine (EBCNT). The primary objective of this test wasn’t to highlight those who couldn’t make the cut butto celebrate those who did. They were marked as approved. The Father’s deepest desire for every child of the King is to see them attain the dokimos seal of approval.

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© Dr. H 2024