Word@Work James16 - James 2:5-7
Published: Tue, 03/03/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
IT MATTERS WHO YOU TRUST
James 2:5-7 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? (NIV)
It is a worldly habit to make friends with rich people in the hope that they will meet your needs. Jesus did not do that, because He was trusting in Father God to provide for Him. Poor people have a special place in God's heart - not because it is evil to be rich (unless wealth is gained by wrong means), or because poverty is good in itself. But the poor know that they cannot help themselves, whereas the rich think that by brains or bullying they can make more money. Such self-confidence has little space for faith to grow, and makes it hard to enter God's kingdom (cf Mark 10:23-25).
If trusting God is so much more sensible, why do many poor folk want to trust rich people? Have they forgotten that the 'poor in spirit' are best placed to receive the riches of God's kingdom (cf Matt 5:3)? Have they forgotten all the abuse that they have received from the exploitation of rich landowners or factory workers? Have they forgotten that poor people can rarely afford to have their case represented fairly in court? Have they forgotten that some rich people think that they can abuse Christians and get away with it (and so, implicitly, slander God)? These are the four questions that James asks the church, where many were poor, to help them to realise that they are foolish to place their future anywhere else than the hands of God Himself.
The early church needed to wake up. And so do we! Perhaps the global economic downturn will help our faith, as we find that the promises of banks and big businesses are hollow; investments and pensions lose their value and security is shattered. When we can no longer trust what we can see, it is wise to start to trust the promises of God. His supply of love and grace and mercy never runs dry. This revolution in thinking will also affect the way you do business and treat people: it is great training for His kingdom, and your colleagues and customers will also notice the difference. When they do, you can tell them how Jesus has changed your life.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Help me to see the folly of trusting the promises which others can never be sure of keeping, while ignoring Your promises which You always keep. Even though I may have less money or security than others, help me to trust in You to supply my needs this week, and to delight in being welcomed into Your kingdom. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
It is a worldly habit to make friends with rich people in the hope that they will meet your needs. Jesus did not do that, because He was trusting in Father God to provide for Him. Poor people have a special place in God's heart - not because it is evil to be rich (unless wealth is gained by wrong means), or because poverty is good in itself. But the poor know that they cannot help themselves, whereas the rich think that by brains or bullying they can make more money. Such self-confidence has little space for faith to grow, and makes it hard to enter God's kingdom (cf Mark 10:23-25).
If trusting God is so much more sensible, why do many poor folk want to trust rich people? Have they forgotten that the 'poor in spirit' are best placed to receive the riches of God's kingdom (cf Matt 5:3)? Have they forgotten all the abuse that they have received from the exploitation of rich landowners or factory workers? Have they forgotten that poor people can rarely afford to have their case represented fairly in court? Have they forgotten that some rich people think that they can abuse Christians and get away with it (and so, implicitly, slander God)? These are the four questions that James asks the church, where many were poor, to help them to realise that they are foolish to place their future anywhere else than the hands of God Himself.
The early church needed to wake up. And so do we! Perhaps the global economic downturn will help our faith, as we find that the promises of banks and big businesses are hollow; investments and pensions lose their value and security is shattered. When we can no longer trust what we can see, it is wise to start to trust the promises of God. His supply of love and grace and mercy never runs dry. This revolution in thinking will also affect the way you do business and treat people: it is great training for His kingdom, and your colleagues and customers will also notice the difference. When they do, you can tell them how Jesus has changed your life.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Help me to see the folly of trusting the promises which others can never be sure of keeping, while ignoring Your promises which You always keep. Even though I may have less money or security than others, help me to trust in You to supply my needs this week, and to delight in being welcomed into Your kingdom. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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