In this episode, Craig and I talk about pressure – the pressure we put on ourselves and the pressure others place on us. It can cause anxiety and depression. Considering a very tense first week of July, I turned to James 1: 2-4, where James implores us to look at our trials as challenges and have faith that you will endure in the end. James is considered by most to be the brother of Jesus (there were many James’ in the bible and scholars aren’t certain who is the James who wrote this letter), and during James’ time (50 CE), the Romans are heavily persecuting Judea and Christian Jews. James’ letter warns us not to resort to violence when we are faced with violence – to not become the very hatred we are faced with.

Thoughts on pressure:
1. Generally, the pressure we face comes from others, not ourselves. Are we carrying other people’s crosses?
2. If we do cause our own trials, are we honest with each other to admit our faults? Are we humble and are we committed to changing ourselves (a spiritual baptism)?
3. When others are facing pressure and transfer that pressure to you, can you communicate with that person and focus on what’s REALLY going on? Or do you go either extremes – cower to the pressure, or react in anger, only making the matter worse?
4. Tense situations are mostly finite – they don’t last forever. You will overcome and endure.