Our pastor last Sunday preached in part on what James had to say about wealth. James you might recall preached that if you are going through trials and tribulation you should be happy because God is teaching you patience and perseverance. Similarly he states if you are poor you should “glory in your exaltation”.
Hmmm….If someone looked up the word “exaltation” in the dictionary they would find descriptors such as joy, excitement, rapture, and happiness. James is the disciple of paradox to me because he comes up with just the opposite of conventional thinking. (Be happy when you’re sad and glad when you’re in rags.)
I’ve been exceedingly poor to the point of homelessness and I’ve been on the wealthy side of things and I can tell you first-hand that happiness is not determined by wealth. The preacher made this point in his sermon and then wryly stated, “I don’t know about you but I’d like to try it”, and got a good laugh from the congregation.
In the Success Seminar that I conducted last November I mentioned that the dictionary defines “success” as the attainment of wealth, power, or fame. Two words come to mind: Whitney Houston. I personally know many people who are wealthy, powerful, and famous and yet they are miserable. They use their wealth to try and buy what they long for and when it does not bring the satisfaction that they expected, in desperation they turn to drugs, alcohol, yachts, private jets, sex, diamonds, grand homes, more, more, more of everything one can think of, you name it, but in the end, they ask, “Is this all there is?”
Wealth cannot buy the lasting joy, peace, and love that we all long for. That can only come from God.
Our pastor mentioned when you are down in the pit there is no other direction to look, but up and that is where the poor folks have an advantage. It was a good point. We must look to God and not to the things of this world in order to find the best things in life. It is difficult for wealthy people to look up because of all of the distractions that wealth brings to the table, but it can be done. (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!)
There is a website entitled “Global Rich List” and you can type in the amount of money that you make annually and determine where you stand compared to everyone else on the planet. If you make $850 per year, you are at the median income level, (you earn an average income when compared to the rest of the entire world). If you make $48,000 per year you are in the top 1%.
Hmmm… Now you know how it feels to be rich.
So I suppose the verses in the Bible that pertain to the rich apply to YOU too. Take heart, there were many rich people in the Bible who were fabulously wealthy that loved the Lord and of course were loved and exalted by Him. True one day their riches will burn away, but those who remain faithful will enter paradise and enjoy heaven for everlasting life. The key is in looking upwards, towards God, and not downward towards temporal wealth.
We are charged with using what God has given us, (great or small), in a manner that glorifies His Holy name and spreads the good news about His free gift of salvation to one and all. We are not to use it merely to satisfy our own lusts.
Think about it today, won’t you…
James 1:9
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.
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.