Between the years 1360 – 1387, a poem titled “Piers Plowman” introduced the world to one of its most renowned phrases. The popular phrase, “patience is a virtue,” is believed to have been given birth by the pen of Mr. William Langland. According to many scholars, the allegorical poem follows the quest of its narrator to find faith in accordance to medieval standards. As a way to remain encouraged, Langland reminds himself that “patience is a virtue.” This conclusion to which Langland arrived is one that most people are certainly ready to agree with. It is no easy task to find that inner strength to endure the outer hardships that arrive unexpectedly into our lives. Several times, the inevitable trials of life can position us in very desperate situations where the true meaning of Langland’s words come to light. A similar concept is presented to us by the author of James. In his letter, James twice mentions patience as an important tool to a Christian. Our author first presents to us how our faith is tested and matured by the avenues of patience (James 1:2-5). James makes the bold statement that we should find “joy when you fall into various trials.” This concept perhaps is difficult to understand at first. However, our author continues his explanation by stating “that the testing of your faith produces patience.” This same concept is presented by the Master as He warns His disciples about the persecutions they would encounter as a result of their faith in Him (Luke 21:12-19). Observe how James mirrors the lesson our Lord bestowed upon His disciples. Jesus taught His disciples “in your patience ye shall win your souls” (Luke 21:19, ASV). Seeking to emphasize this point from our Lord, James refers to a man who is a pillar of patience (James 5:7-11). To begin to understand the teaching of James, we must first know about those trials that produced Job’s spiritual maturity. The bible teaches us that Job was “perfect and upright, and one that feared God” (Job 1:1). In other words, Job was a man of integrity and righteousness before God. However, we learn from Scripture that Job’s integrity is put into question by Satan. Satan makes the argument that Job’s reverence was a result of God’s blessings and protection (Job 1:10). What follows is what James is alluding to in his letter. God allows the devil to test his theory regarding Job’s devotion to Him (Job 1:14-19). In a single day, this man loses everything: land, riches, and even his children. As a way of emphasis, the author of the book of Job describes the manner in how this man received one notice immediately after the other. It is incredible to observe how this man did not succumb to insanity as he received all these tragedies in a single day. Examining Job’s trials more closely, it becomes evident that the level of the tragedies escalated one by one. Anyone can lose land or their riches and easily regain them; but the loss of a child is irreplaceable and devastating to any loving parent. To try and empathize with this man that not only lost one child, but all of his children on the same day is unimaginable. In presenting the example of Job, the first lesson James seeks for us to understand is that life as a Christian is not an easy one. An unfaithful and unrighteous man would have very likely murmured and blamed God for the string of unfortunate events. However, these horrific tragedies happened to a man who worshiped God in a righteous way approved and accepted by Him. Job’s story is similar to the warning Jesus gave His disciples regarding the coming of persecution to all who would not deny Him as the Christ. Our faith will always be put to the test by the ungodly and the unrighteous. We cannot forget that our adversary is one who has nothing to lose, therefore comes at us with the full weight of his power. The instruction of James with reference to patience can be seen in the attitude Job took when he found himself surrounded by grief and sorrow (Job 1:20-22). In his darkest hour, Job invoked his mighty endurance and worshiped God accepting his situation. Job’s complete reliance upon Jehovah God is what James shines his light upon to manifest the great blessing of patience. Perhaps, if Job would have reacted such as his wife did, in our human mentality we would have tried to find a way to justify his action because it is a “natural” reaction to the calamity he was surrounded by. However, this is what makes Job’s reaction supernatural; instead of complaining or blaming God for his misfortune Job held his integrity before God and did not sin. James uses the example of Job to confirm the teaching of the apostle Paul in regards to the peace of God (Philippians 4:6-7). It is of dire importance to be able to see the connection made between the example of Job, the allusion of James, and the explanation of Paul. Job, in his most difficult challenge, chose to worship God through the avenue of prayer. James alludes to Job as an exhortation to follow his example when times becoming devastatingly difficult in our lives. It is Paul who reveals to us, however, that a godly and righteous man that does so will have peace that surpasses all human understanding. Job’s unfortunate stage is outshined by his unmovable resolve in fully trusting in the God whom he worshiped with a righteous heart. No matter how much his wife implored him to curse God and die or how insistent his three friends were about his misfortune being Divine punishment for his “sinful” ways, Job never allowed his faith to falter. Instead, he chose to use his hardship as a blessing from God by asking, “shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil” (Job 2:10)? Job was convinced that there was a reason for his entire calamity, and never once believed that God had forsaken him. In his patience, Job sought God and placed all of his burdens on Him (1st Peter 4:6-7). Therefore, James teaches his reader through the patience of Job how it is that it leads to wisdom. It is wise to understand that the presence of God will never forsake us no matter how dire the trial may be. Let us recall that patience means resistance and endurance; two very important qualities when running a marathon. A wise man never forgets that it is not about how quickly you get to the finish line, but in what condition you arrive. It is wonderful to know that at the end of his story, Job had the honor to boast that he had defeated Satan at his own game. He came out victorious and justified by God because he had enough stamina to endure to the very end. Therefore, let us learn from the patience of Job and also be virtuous children of God that abide in a peace that can only be enjoyed and understood by those who are spiritually mature.
