Read James 1:9-11
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 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 will fade away even while they go about their business. (James 1:9-11)
The positioning in this passage is contrary to the thought pattern of many Christians. The English-speaking churches in Malaysia are largely made up of members from the upper-middle classes. In our thinking the Chief Executive Officer holds a higher position and the postman a lower position. Even in church circles the pastor is held in greater esteem by the congregation than the church cleaner. Thus in Christian families many parents are always urging their children to study hard and follow their examples of climbing the social ladder.
How then can we interpret this question of our position? The Bible does not teach us that wealth is bad and poverty is good. In the parable of the talents when a man was going on a journey he: “called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.” (Matthew 25:14-15). Although the three servants are of equal value in God’s sight, neither the ability nor the gift of these three servants was equal.
Those who are wealthy (having been given five talents) are in greater danger than those in humbler circumstances. They have to realize that wealth does not equal worth. A rich person is no more valuable in God’s sight than a person in poorer circumstances. The rich also have to realize that wealth does not equal security. Until the return of Jesus Christ, the time comes for everyone, both rich and poor, to: “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” (Psalm 23:4). The wealthy are warned that the privilege of being rich places them in a low position where they should concentrate, not on a luxurious lifestyle, but on serving others who are in humble circumstances.
Do we really believe that everyone is of equal value in God’s sight?
This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.
