James - Rich or Poor

The next section and topic, James dives into, is worldly wealth. And in a very James fashion, he comes out of the gate with a bit of a mind-bender. You will also notice that James shifts the topic pretty radically here, arising out of trials, wisdom and Godly insight into riches, wealth, and earthly possessions. This is where it’s good to remember this is not really a letter like other books of the Bible, and this is more like Proverbs, where there will be some bouncing around from topic to topic. 

“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wildflower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” - ‭‭James‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I read this and go back to reality and understand that God is generous. His generosity is not always connected to our situations and circumstances in this world. Much of these verses again take us into a mindset and the importance of perspective. Viewing poverty or humble circumstances as a gift is one way that forces us to trust in God alone. When we have means, and all our needs meet in this world that inherently makes it harder to have our full trust in God when on the surface, we can seem to meet our own needs with our actions. With that thought in mind, it also all comes crashing down when the rich have all their means washed away like an ocean wave crashing on a sandcastle.

When I step back and read these few verses, I am reminded of the simple reality that we can not take any of our stuff with us when we die. All our achievements, monetary stuff just fades away. That does not mean we all dive into a poverty lifestyle, and I am not advocating for that. But it does shape our thinking and our actions of where our value and self-worth come from. This takes me to Paul's continual reminder about boasting. 

“God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” - ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:30-31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord. Whether our circumstances are in poverty or in riches, we should only boast about the Lord. Those circumstances are short-lived, and it's essential to maintain a Godly perspective. God is abundantly generous; He has united us with Jesus Christ. Christ made us right with God, made us pure and holy! That is what we should boast about, not dwell, or have pride for our currently worldly circumstances...those will change, and the blossom will fall, and the beauty will be destroyed. 

Lord, may we come before you in a humble posture and the right heart about our circumstances and situation. I desire to have the right mindset here on earth around things of this world. Father, I desire to boast only about you. May my life honor you today.