“Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. [. . .]
“16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”
Our life on earth is short, but our spiritual life is everlasting. So those of us who are poor or humble can take hope in the unimaginable glory to come. Those of us who are rich or privileged can take hope in a kind of humiliation, because we have not earned any special honor with God. We haven’t even earned a comfortable life. Everything we have is a gift from our heavenly Father: health, wisdom, personality, wealth, job, possessions, and spiritual life. He has raised us up by his own good will to bless us and bring glory to himself.
Questions
- Which is more difficult: to lean on the Lord when we’re poor or rich? When we’re humble or satisfied?
- Do you think of your accomplishments, health, and career as gifts from God?
- What is the deception James is warning us against?
- How would you describe being the firstfruits of God’s creation?
Pray
Oh, Father, have mercy on us. We recognize that our lives are like cut flowers, wilting on the table, but your steadfast love is everlasting. Your faithfulness to those who keep your covenant never ends. Thank you for Christ’s work in our lives, which is the only way we can keep your covenant. Thank you for the perfect gift of Christ’s life in us, which is an honor we could never earn ourselves. Help us remain humble as we serve you at work and home. We live for you, not ourselves or anyone else. You are our God and Master. Praise be to your name.
This devotion is adapted from the James Study Guide. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes a 15-week curriculum, a small group study, a group inductive study, as well as 75 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
