Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 NKJV

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:1-5 NKJV

Sacred cows are worshipped in India. Many Indians will not eat a cow, but they worship them. Just like, some people worship the Bible. They won’t believe it or act on it; they just worship it. To many Christians, trials, tribulations, troubles, and problems in life have become a “sacred cow”, because they believe that these problems perfect them—not so!

The path to perfection is patience working in various trials. So, when you fall into test and trials, don’t get upset. Let the joy of the Lord sustain you (Rom. 5:3). Just know that the pressures of life are being allowed and used of God to produce patience, and there is joy in knowing that patience works perfection.

Please notice that James, the Lord’s brother and chief elder of the church in Jerusalem, didn’t say that the tests and trials of your faith make you stronger. It’s your faith on trial—not you! Now, if you come out of a trial stronger, it’s because you acted on the Word of God. The trying of your faith is a call for patience, a fruit of the Spirit to blossom leaving you perfect, entire, wanting nothing (Gal. 5:22).

Patience is enduring affliction without anger or complaint. It is not waiting for something to happen, but it is enduring what is happening (Matt. 10:22). Patience is being constant throughout the trial—maintaining your confession of faith without wavering (Heb.10:23). Patience comes in to undergird your faith when all hell breaks loose. It is patience that reinforces your faith. The trying of your faith doesn’t perfect faith, but it puts patience to work towards perfection.