James 1:9 -- 11 (Status)

August 30, 2021 (Monday)

 

Christianity is counterintuitive. In fact, it subverts culture. James starts with the issue of wealth. Sometimes, in America culture, we joke “greed is good.” Another of our “jokes” is the “Golden Rule: he who has the gold makes the rules.” We celebrate, even worship wealth and the wealthy. Did you know the Bible tells us God has a different value system?

 

“Brothers and sisters who are poor should find satisfaction in their high status.” [James 1:9 CEB] How can this be so? Poor often struggle with various insecurities to outright need. Without money we struggle with food, housing, health needs, and transportation. Without those, it can be difficult to hold employment. Often, without the options wealth offers, we are at the mercy of events and circumstances. This feels like a slap in the face.

 

“Those who are wealthy should find satisfaction in their low status, because they will die off like wildflowers.” [James 1:10 CEB] This is depressing, but it does indicate that wealth (or poverty) is a matter of perspective. If we live for this life, wealthy or poor, then very little is accomplished by plenty or want.

 

SPOILER ALERT: Every one of us will die. This is the frame for Bible’s discussion of earthly riches. James reminds us, “The sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up the grass so that its flowers fall and its beauty is lost. Just like that, in the midst of their daily lives, the wealthy will waste away.” [James 1:11 CEB] Just because you have MORE or LESS than someone else does not mean you escape death or the judgement that follows death.

 

So how do we find satisfaction in our earthly status or economic standing? I am so glad you asked! Let me refer you to Paul. He stated in Philippians 4:12, “I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor.” [CEB] I don’t know about you, but when someone as experienced something speaks on a subject, I tend to listen more carefully. Paul had experience both need and plenty. He knew the feeling of a full and empty belly.

 

Paul is going to tell us the secret to being content. “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.” [Philippians 4:13 CEB] For those used to the word “Christ” being in the verse… it’s not in the Greek. (Some of the less dependable [later, edited] Greek traditions have it added. However, it is clear Paul is referring to Christ. What is often translated “I can do” is better understood “I have strength.” One idea here is that this strength arises in a situation rather than being part of our character.

 

Please understand, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” [Philippians 4:13 ESV] is in context to circumstances surrounding our economic reality. It is the key to being content in life. It’s is not a magical formula to claim anything our heart’s desire. Think about it, it’s silly for me to claim that verse and expect to be the Quarterback of next year’s Super Bowl winning team. Not going to happen BECAUSE that is not what the verse states.

 

I do think, as a principle, when we face difficult circumstances we need to and can expect to draw strength from Christ. Wealthy or in poverty, we have the same God who offers to all the same spiritual resources to all. Those without resources can learn a dependence, joy, and awe (thus, the “high status”) those with resources can be deprived of without that level of dependence (thus, the “low status.”).