Word@Work James6 - James 1:9-11
Published: Tue, 02/17/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WORTHLESS RICHES
James 1:9-11 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 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 man will fade away even while he goes about his business. (NIV)
Most cultures assume that richer people are wiser, and therefore better; but that was not what Jesus taught. He ranked the poor widow's offering as greater than the larger amount from a rich person (cf Luke 21:4), and was disappointed with the rich young ruler (cf Matt 19:16-26). But the early church tended to revert to worldly standards: they would give special honour to important people and fail to respect the poor. James knew that this was wrong, for a number of reasons. All Christians are equal before God, women were not inferior to men, and slaves were not inferior to their masters - in God's eyes (cf Gal 3:28). That was because every Christian is a sinner saved by the grace of Christ. We are equals as children of God, and God has no favourites.
This passage reminds the poor that they have wonderful riches in heaven because of Jesus, and meanwhile they are seen by Him as His brothers (cf Heb. 2:11) as well as His servants. Those who are rich are reminded that they are mortal and can take none of their riches with them (cf Luke 12:20). The wealthy are described as set up to wither under the heat of the sun, like a flower with transient beauty. We have seen it; apply pressure to the financial markets or business sectors, and even the most successful person can be humbled; or ill health can rob him or her of the ability to enjoy what has been gained. Ultimately we come into the world with nothing; and however rich we become, we go out with no material possessions at all (1 Tim 6:7).
Rather than honour some people more than others, James will recommend (cf James 2:1-13) that we should give everybody the same great honour - irrespective of their position in society. It should be easy to practice this at work, by taking time to treat cleaners and messengers as you would your boss. If you are in a senior role, then do not despise those who are beneath you; because Your Father does not do so. Indeed, those with a high salary are in the best position to give to those who have need; which is what Jesus did for you. True Christian faith is better seen in generous respect of the poor than arrogantly assuming they are somehow inferior. And the humble Christian should be confident of God's loving provision. If we live today in the light of meeting Jesus soon, it will help us to get these proud attitudes of rank, wealth and status into perspective.
Prayer: Father God. Please forgive my arrogance, assuming that my position and possessions are my right and due to my wisdom; when they are Your gift and due to Your grace. Help me to practice the same gracious kindness that Jesus had to children, the weak, the poor and the despised - so that I may show that I am a true servant of my Saviour, who gave everything to redeem me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
Most cultures assume that richer people are wiser, and therefore better; but that was not what Jesus taught. He ranked the poor widow's offering as greater than the larger amount from a rich person (cf Luke 21:4), and was disappointed with the rich young ruler (cf Matt 19:16-26). But the early church tended to revert to worldly standards: they would give special honour to important people and fail to respect the poor. James knew that this was wrong, for a number of reasons. All Christians are equal before God, women were not inferior to men, and slaves were not inferior to their masters - in God's eyes (cf Gal 3:28). That was because every Christian is a sinner saved by the grace of Christ. We are equals as children of God, and God has no favourites.
This passage reminds the poor that they have wonderful riches in heaven because of Jesus, and meanwhile they are seen by Him as His brothers (cf Heb. 2:11) as well as His servants. Those who are rich are reminded that they are mortal and can take none of their riches with them (cf Luke 12:20). The wealthy are described as set up to wither under the heat of the sun, like a flower with transient beauty. We have seen it; apply pressure to the financial markets or business sectors, and even the most successful person can be humbled; or ill health can rob him or her of the ability to enjoy what has been gained. Ultimately we come into the world with nothing; and however rich we become, we go out with no material possessions at all (1 Tim 6:7).
Rather than honour some people more than others, James will recommend (cf James 2:1-13) that we should give everybody the same great honour - irrespective of their position in society. It should be easy to practice this at work, by taking time to treat cleaners and messengers as you would your boss. If you are in a senior role, then do not despise those who are beneath you; because Your Father does not do so. Indeed, those with a high salary are in the best position to give to those who have need; which is what Jesus did for you. True Christian faith is better seen in generous respect of the poor than arrogantly assuming they are somehow inferior. And the humble Christian should be confident of God's loving provision. If we live today in the light of meeting Jesus soon, it will help us to get these proud attitudes of rank, wealth and status into perspective.
Prayer: Father God. Please forgive my arrogance, assuming that my position and possessions are my right and due to my wisdom; when they are Your gift and due to Your grace. Help me to practice the same gracious kindness that Jesus had to children, the weak, the poor and the despised - so that I may show that I am a true servant of my Saviour, who gave everything to redeem me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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