“The Have’s & the Have Nots”
In my reading in the Book of James today I encountered a contradiction. James is writing to the have’s and have nots, (the rich and the poor). But the have’s, (according to James), were actually the have nots, and the have nots, (he says), were the have’s. …Is he confused? Did he get his sentence mixed up. …Not at all - he’s using paradox, a truth stated in such a way to catch attention. Let me bring you to the text - verses 9-11
James 1:9-11 NIV [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.
Both parties James writes to are Believers. The poor are the poverty stricken Jewish Christians who fled persecution, and the rich were that small minority of Christians in James’ day who had not suffered deprivation of wealth. And James writes to reverse a mindset that so easily settles in both - that material wealth/prosperity equates happiness and God’s blessing, and humble circumstances with misery and God’s displeasure.
It’s simply not true implies James. In fact the brother in humble circumstances is actually at an advantage to the rich brother. They are more likely to look to God to sustain their life, while the wealthy are more likely to rely on their riches. God will never fail, but wealth will. God is for eternity, riches for this world alone.
James wants the poor Christian to realise and rejoice in the high position he’s actually in. And at the same time he wants the rich Christian to be aware of the vulnerable position his wealth puts him in, and humbly put his trust in God. …James is neither commending poverty or condemning riches in the Christian life. He’s calling us to see our standard of living differently.
Some who read this may not have the fanciest house, nor have much in the bank. Their job barely makes ends meet. But as they look to God in their lack they have a resource that makes Jeff Bezos look like a beggar. …And some who read this may have a lovely home, a nice car, with lots in the bank. As followers of Christ they’re to continue to look to God, resisting a reliance on their wealth, realising that nothing they own can be taken with them.
Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank you for the many material blessing in my life. This morning I got up, put on good clothes and had a warm breakfast. There’s an abundance of food in my kitchen and a good car at my front door. But Heavenly Father the greatest blessing I have in my life is the gift of God which is eternal life. Help me never to forget that, and to endeavour to humbly walk in faith with Jesus Christ my Saviour. Amen.