In addition to perfecting
our faith through obedience, we must allow God to purify and strengthen
our faith through trials and tribulations (see James 1:3-4). By faith,
we keep our eyes on Jesus in the midst of trials, believing that "the
sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the
glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). Peter comforted
those who faced suffering with these words: "That the trial of your
faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it
be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at
the appearing of Jesus
Christ" (I Peter 1:7). Thankfully, we do not
suffer alone for Christ, for "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus
shall suffer persecution" (II Timothy 3:12).
The
ultimate indicator of your faith is whether you love God with all your
heart and keep His commandments, with or without adversity, in difficult
times and in good times. "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we
keep his commandments" (I John 2:3). Such faith and obedience does not
require striving to follow a list of rules or struggling hard in your
own efforts. For when God has first place in your heart, obeying His
voice will flow naturally out of love for Him.