Hindrances to "Consider It All Joy" (Jam. 1:2)

Read James 1:2.

What interferes with "consider it all joy . . . when you encounter various trials"?

• Loneliness.  When you are in a temptation, though there is a way of escape, you are in that temptation alone.  That doesn't mean you can't access God.  It doesn't mean no one else ever went through the same trial.  "We" don't endure.  Endurance is always singular and personal.  You feel lonely during temptation.  Who wants that?

• Leisure.  Temptation is attractive.  Once you deny its appeal and take your stand, endurance can be a battle.  That doesn't sound like much fun!  We live in a culture that lives for leisure and  works hard in order to play hard.  Enduring temptation takes an intentional effort.  You might have to use some of your precious golf time in order to focus on spiritual health.

• Laziness.  Who ever suggested enduring temptation is easy?  Sometimes it comes down to this:  You don't endure because you don't want to.  You lack seriousness and discipline. When your spirit is lazy, it is because flesh was pampered.  Self-denial is not natural. How prone we are to stay reclined on the sofa instead of bent before it in prayer!