Some people are well off and boast about it. They may be in sin. Others are very poor and hide in the scenery, determined to never be seen. They may also be in sin. What does the Bible say about these living in poverty or wealth? Today’s verse is James 1:9-11:
But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.
The One in Poverty
Verse 9 deals with a person living in poverty. You don’t need material things to be happy; you don’t need them to be loved, either. This verse tells that the people who are living in poverty who are Christians have something to rejoice in: they are chosen in the power of Jesus Christ. They are regenerated, and such a person has a higher position than all the people with a comfortable life who do not know Jesus Christ. They can witness faith in our Lord, lead people to Him, love unconditionally, and they will always be taken care of. Remember a promise from God himself is that He will take care of the needs of those who have faith in Him (Matthew 6:25-34).
The One in Wealth
Verse 10 tells us that the wealthy have glory of Christ when acting in a humble heart. There are many people in the world with money that flaunt that money, hold it over other people, act powerful, etc. These people are living in sin. There are also people who live very humble lives even though they have money. Such people do not show their wealth, they are humble in giving, in grace, and in love. When you are poor, have glory in your faith, when you are rich, have glory in humility.
Trials
In life, trials will always come. God allows you struggles to make you strong as you live out your faith which is why this explanation ends with the analogy of the passing fields. Life is a fleeting moment; to short to flaunt what you have or hide for what you don’t. If you know Jesus Christ, share His truth with others. If you do not know Jesus Christ, I invite you to read the Gospel (On the tab at the top of the page) and learn who He is and what He can do for you. Feel free to contact me if you want more information.
