James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

There are three words found in Scripture and in our language that describe an important character trait needed to live the Christian life. These three words are endurance, steadfastness, and perseverance. For the next several weeks, I want to focus on what this means to our character and leadership. As our Scripture states this week, it is not a matter of if but when in our life and leadership we will face trials of various kinds. It may be personal, family, work, or even church. These trails will test our faith and we must face them with endurance and perseverance to let God work and to develop our character. We have to let God use them to make us complete and more mature. Whatever we go through cannot compare to the perseverance of Jesus all the way to the cross and this is the only true comparison which can touch our hearts.

The character and leadership trait of perseverance is not one that comes naturally or is evident in our world today. People don’t seem to want to hang in there when the going gets tough. Unfortunately, we see this in homes and marriages today when a couple simply gives up and walks away, rather than persevering through various trials. That is the easy way out but not the Biblical way. The damage to children cannot be calculated on the front end but is often seen in their lives. Perseverance in life and leadership is much like riding a bicycle. You don’t fall off, unless you top peddling. When we keep peddling, we move forward and develop endurance and strength. Not only do we get through the current trial, but we develop the ability to handle the next one or help someone else who encounters a similar trial. Next week, we will look at the importance and priority of perseverance as a husband and father. I leave you with this quote: “Consider the postage stamp. Its usefulness depends on its ability to stick to one thing until it reaches it goal.” So, what is your goal as a leader in each area of your life?