Believers who are poor should be glad that God considers them so important. James 1:9
Is James saying here that if you are a poor Christian you are more important because of your poorness? No! He is making this statement, because in our world, much status is placed on being wealthy. We have television shows promoting the rich and the famous. The wealthy seem to have more focus in the newspapers, magazines, and books. Even churches are guilty of promoting, or putting into high positions, those who have the capability of giving more in the offering plate. When you are wealthy, powerful, or famous, you are treated by society with admiration, prestige, and praise.
Because of this, James is letting us know that being poor is not something of which to be ashamed. In fact, in God's eyes, the poor and needy are considered important. God does not look on our wealth. He looks on our heart. If God holds the poor in high esteem, we need to cling to that, and remember that we are valued in the eyes of the creator of the universe; the most important one in the world.
James 1:10-11 goes on to say, “Believers who are rich should be glad when bad things happen that humble them. Their riches won’t keep them from disappearing as quickly as wildflowers. As the sun rises and gets hotter, its heat dries up the plants, and the flowers fall off. The flowers that were so beautiful are now dead. That’s how it is with the rich. While they are still making plans for their business, they will die.”
What James is saying is that worldly wealth does nothing for our eternal soul. One cannot buy their way to heaven, or for a seat closer to Jesus. If one constantly works toward wealth they are missing the mark. Money can be given, and money can be taken away. When one has placed all their desires on money matters and the business fails, or the stock market crashes, what is this person left with? Misplaced hope can crumble, but hope in Christ is a firm foundation.
God loves everyone, the rich and the poor. He does not look on the rich and famous with more love than he does the homeless person. A humble, contrite heart, is what will lead us into the path of righteousness found in Jesus. In Him we will find the prosperity of grace given to us in mercy, forgiveness, peace, joy, hope, and love. We become, through Christ, rich indeed.
Dear Savior, Thank you for making me rich by your mercy and love. In Christ I pray, Amen
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