Every Sunday morning I bake cinnamon rolls. When last my mom stayed with us she expressed concern, “Do not burn them.” I am not in the habit of burning them. More likely, I will remove them too soon. Like Ephraim in Hosea’s observation, my baking can end up half-baked. I know they are ready by the smell. When they fill the kitchen, not with smoke, but with smiles then they are ready.
Just as cinnamon rolls need to finish baking, so our perseverance in trials needs to finish its work in us. I remember a pastor saying, “When God gives us tribulation, he expects us to tribulate.” He was right, if you think about it. James says you will know when perseverance is done if you are mature and complete, not lacking anything. Remember that God is out to make something out of us. He wants to form Christ in us.
Some of the most mature believers I know are not those who claim to have been exempted from pain. They bear the scars of life on their bodies and hearts, but they have trusted God to make it well with their souls. God not only makes us well, but also wise. One thing we might lack is wisdom. James says, “Just ask.” Our gracious Father loves to give good gifts to his children. He is not keeping score and denying us blessings. If we ask God for what we need, he will give it to us. When we are where God wants us to be, we will reflect the aroma of Christ to all who are around us.
