Unleash Your BraveSample

I’m not one to fall for smoke and mirror tactics used by advertisers to hoodwink me out of my good sense. If it sounds too good to be true…well, you and I should be smart enough to hold onto our wallets because we will more than likely be disappointed if we don’t.

That’s why the proposal James makes seems somewhat illusive, even ludicrous.

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:4

Does this mean that if I begin learning how to unleash my brave in these rotten situations thrown at me I will become more complete as a person? In the midst of all the mess in my life, if I become steadfast in my faith-- stronger, more immovable-- and less ready to bolt in the face of disaster-- that I have the promise of perfection? And that I possess that promise here and now? Seriously?

There is some debate on what James meant when he made this audacious proposal.

But, yes. 

Scholars say that to be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing can mean that as you and I develop patterns of faith that look like the unleashing of our bravery (i.e. trusting our God to be faithful to us in all things day by day), we will continually shed what is deficient. It’s the picture of the dross from purifying gold as it is burned away in the testing fires. Instead, we will be gaining new qualities until we become entirely fit for the service God has established in and through us for His glory-– for Kingdom purposes and for our good. 

I don’t know what disaster you might be going through. Who knows what trials you might have fallen into lately? This I know: James has us covered. These assurances are all-encompassing. Not a problem or difficulty is left out. 

You don’t have to embark upon the mess in defeat or weakness or timidity. Stop defining yourself confined to an identity He never intended you to own. Your God is here to strengthen you and help you be joyful through and even because of the badness you are experiencing. 

It’s time to begin unleashing your brave! 

Become immovable. It’s a Divine work that may require rattling some cages at times. Find your joy in badness and don’t settle for anything less than lacking in nothing. 

We hope you found this resource encouraging. For more Gospel-centered resources from Cheri, visit www.sheyearns.com/what-is-next/ .