Throw out of your head the idea that you can, through a comfortable life, become what you must in Christ. St. Theophan
Next James goes on to give examples of the two types of trials that his congregation will face.
James 1:9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 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.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
On the one hand, given the ongoing persecution that the early Christians were facing, it makes sense that James would address them as believers in humble circumstances. As refugees they may have lost their homes or jobs, but despite their poverty, they were instructed to take pride in their high position. What was their high position?
As Christ had reminded the impoverished church in Smyrna, I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich. Revelation 2:9 They may be poor by this world’s standards but they have true and lasting wealth. They are sons of the King of all creation. They are Heirs with Christ. Galatians 3:29 They are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, declaring the praises of him who called them out of the darkness and into his wonderful light. I Peter 2:9 They are always welcome to come before the throne of the King of creation. They are welcome and loved by their Creator.
One the other hand, those who had done well and prospered financially, but have now been brought low by the current circumstances, are instructed as to how to understand and deal with their humiliation. The rich should take pride in their humiliation — since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 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.
Christ taught that it was difficult for the wealthy to become Christians; to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Why? Because the wealthy are confident thinking that they are already secure with their wealth in their earthly kingdom. Wealth can lead to the temptation of self reliance rather than the humility required to place their total trust in God alone. As Christ had warned the church in Laodicea, You say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. Revelation 3:17
As John Calvin taught; There is no worse screen to block out the Spirit than confidence in our own intelligence.
James reminds the wealthy in his scattered congregation, that like the wild flower, their earthly wealth is fleeting and will be destroyed. We have all heard the saying, “You can’t take it with you.” God uses their humiliation to point them away from relying on the fleeting wealth of this life and point them toward placing their trust in the everlasting wealth of God’s Kingdom both here and now and on into eternity.
Those who have been able to persevere under the trial of poverty are called blessed. Those who have experienced the humiliation of having become fugitives and having lost the standing in the community on which they once depended, are now called blessed.
James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
This is quite a statement. James is challenging his congregation to take stock. They are challenged to consider what is important to them. Where do they place their trust? Do they love comfort and security? Do they trust in their wealth? They may now be poor by the world’s standard in this life but, if through it all, they are able to love him, they will be blessed by God and will receive eternal life. We are to love Christ. If you love me you will keep my commands. John 14:15 And that love plays out in practical ways as we love one another. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. I John 3:14 But James will have much more to say about that later in his letter.
In August 2008, Freedmon on was walking home after meeting to pray with friends, when the Hindu mob caught and killed him. At about the same time another mob broke into his home and after taking all of the family’s food burned the house down. His wife, Nalini and 15 year old daughter fled into the jungle. When Nalini overheard their pursuers talking about capturing and raping her daughter they found a place to hide and did not move for three days without food or water. On the forth day they made their way to a relief camp that the Indian government had set up. There she learned that her husband had been killed.
During her 10 months in the camp Nalini met many other Christian widows. They prayed for, comforted, and supported one another. In the eleven years since the attacks many of the widows have returned home. Nalini says, “I want to depend upon the Lord and serve him.” She no longer holds anger toward those who killed her husband, stole her belongings, and destroyed her home. “How can I hold Jesus and live with anger? I’m not ashamed that my husband was a follower of Christ. I’m not ashamed that I am a follower of Christ.”
Return to The Letter of James.