James 1:9-11 “The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.”
One year ago, there were a number of flourishing businesses in various locations throughout the world. Had you told these business owners that the world was about to be hit with a pandemic that would force people to stay home and would keep people away from their businesses, they would never have believed it! Today, sadly, many long – time businesses are quietly folding, victims of a disease that restricts people from any kind of social gathering. Truly, many who were quite wealthy one year ago have faded away just as James described so long ago.
The Apostle James is still at it, still shocking us and bringing us up short. In James’ world, there were the very rich civic and religious rulers, the middle class tradesmen and artisans, and then day laborers. Servants generally enjoyed the same status as the day laborers, and slaves were at the bottom. Then as now, there were many people who had to work hard just to make enough money for them and their families to survive from one day to the next. For those at the bottom, life was particularly difficult. So why is James talking about the “high position” of those who are in humble circumstances?
If we have learned nothing else from the events of recent months, we should have learned that money can evaporate. Viewed from a heavenly perspective, money is only a tool and sometimes not a very useful one at that. Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In those days, people kept money in all kinds of places, including ceramic jars. These days, there are cyber thieves who hack into people’s accounts and steal credit card information or bank account information. These thieves then misuse credit cards or send all the money into their own bank accounts.
Is James saying that poor people are inherently more virtuous than rich people? No. One can be fixated on money, whether or not one is rich. But James is saying that those who are poor already realize that their futures are in God’s hands. Whether you have a lot of money or a modest amount of money, there is a temptation to trust in your money as your main source of support. Here James is warning us that none of us is actually in a high position. The only real difference between the rich and the poor is that the poor are conscious of their vulnerabilty while the rich may enjoy a false sense of security.
What is the answer to this problem of security? Jesus gave his disciples the answer: Store up treasures in heaven. Fix your mind on God; love Him, serve Him, and worship Him. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
PRAYER: Father God, we thank you that you are our source of supply. We thank you that you know our needs even before we do. Lord, help us to trust you, to worship you, and to serve you all the days of our lives. In the mighty Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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