In God’s kingdom economy, the currency of true exaltation is accessed through humility. Often material wealth, possessions and knowledge inflate human pride and causes us to boast in them as if they procures us an eternal weight of glory. James warns that such way of thinking causes us to lose sight of heaven’s perspective as it relates to our socio-economic status in the world. He describes what we should actually take pride in. It is important to note the audience who James writes to, which were persecuted Christians living within the Roman Empire who were experiencing poverty and low paying vocations. Unlike the wealthy, James prescribes an odd, but true commandment: they were to boast in their “high position” while living in humble (lowly) circumstances. Here is what James has in mind:
What is God’s view of true wealth in light of the Christian life? Though we may lack in earthly riches, we have spiritual treasures being stored up in heaven, for Paul instructions harmonizes with James, “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are below that on earth. (3) For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:2-3).
What is God’s view of true nobility? In Christ, we are royalty. Unfortunately, to many we are considered pitiful, low-class and narrow-minded in a world hostile to the Gospel message (that declares that God died for sinners). In light of this reality, we are to be encouraged that Christ has changed our standing in the eyes of God. The scriptures teaches that we have become children of the true King. We are citizens of a new Kingdom and are therefore members of his royal heavenly family. It is these truths we should take pride in, or as James exhorts, “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation” (v9). We are joint heirs with Christ (cf., Rom 8:16-17, Jam 2:5).
In contrast, James teaches that the rich boasting will end in humiliation. Why? Because our earthly pursuits fade, “…like a flower of the grass he will pass away” (v10, cf., Ecc 9:5-6). Further, riches and the cares of this life deceive and blind us to our own spiritual poverty. We are to place no faith in positions and possessions of this life. Scripture encourages us in this way: though we can suffer seasons of infirmities, provisional lacking, and spiritual battles, we shall boast in our lowly estate in this life. Why? Because in our weaknesses, God reveals his power to his own glory. Remember His response to Paul’s repetitive prayer to end his afflictions, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). As the light of humility shines brighter in our lives, pride fades in like manner. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com