High and low position
“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.”
James 1:9-11.
Here James speaks about high and low positions and it is exactly the opposite of the world.
James says a brother of humble circumstances should take pride in his high position.
Quite often a person who is of humble means. Poor Christians from a financial standpoint are the ones who grow closest to God. Simply because they have to rely on his provision each day. They truly mean it when they say, “give us this day our daily bread.”
On the other hand a person of wealth can if he or she wishes rely on their wealth to the exclusion of God.
But for the wealthy person who realizes that their wealth is because of God and that they have an obligation to help others with it can be a humbling experience. Such a person becomes as it were a servant.
The Talmud gives what I think is a good lesson,
Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?” He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
The Talmud.
In the modern world I think of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet and other billionaires who have pledged to give away half their fortune before they die to help others.
This is what it should be like for Christians with wealth. They should be asking God to direct and guide how they spend their money.
While those who are poor. Those of humble means should draw close to God knowing that he will draw close to them and provide for them.
Think about it.
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