This next part we will be focusing on the rich and poor. James will present three principles of faith. 1. Commitment is essential part of faith, you must commit your mind and heart to Christ. 2. A Christian will have a changed life. 3. Faith without good deeds doesn’t do anybody good, it’s useless. Paul told us the purpose of faith is to bring salvation. James tells us the results of faith is a changed life. They both go together.
James 2:1-7 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others? For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, ‘you can stand over there, or else sit on the floor’-well, doesn’t this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the kingdom of God promises are to those who love him? And yet, you insult the poor man! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
This was a lot of scripture but it all goes together. James warns us about favoritism. We often relate to the ones that are more worldly successful. We do this because we don’t want to see the failures in our lives. When we think about it the ones that are worldly poor are more rich in faith.
A battle we face is sometimes appearances are more important than character. That’s a tough one. Reasons we do this is poverty can make us uncomfortable. We often think the rich can help us become rich, because let’s face it, who doesn’t want to have wealth?! Another flesh thing that’s hard to tackle. Sometimes we want that wealthy person to help your church. These motives are very selfish! If we say we love God we must follow His steps which means NO favoritism, love all.
God does not promise us earthly riches. In fact He calls us to give up everything to hold on to eternal life. He says we will suffer.
Poor does not only mean no money. Another meaning could be their words and life is not the same as the majority society. You can be rich or you can be poor to go to heaven as long as you humble yourself. Make known your need for salvation. One thing that comes in the way for rich is pride. For the poor is bitterness.
Something to write on your heart is you can’t serve God and money. You can not find satisfaction in money or processions. only in God. I mean think about when growing up, the toys you must have for Christmas. How long did that joy last? Not very long at all. I notice this more with my own kids. They just can not wait to get something, finally get it and it brings them joy for about a day. Not exaggerating at all. Now think of a time that was an only God moment…still have the same joy feeling? It never goes away.
Just like money. You may think oh if I just have a little more I will be happy. Well that raise comes and goes and you are just miserable as before. Worldly things just do not give you lasting pleasure. So let’s instead build up heavenly treasures instead. Do good. Live good. By this I mean live for God. Work for the glory of God here and be rewarded in heaven where it will be forever joy.
You only need one master. God. He’s it. Even if you have earthly riches be humble. Live like God. Oh and just so you know money of itself is not bad. It’s when you start to crave it then that becomes a sin. You focus on it day and night. Not good. The following are scriptures that go with these verses about riches.
Dig Deeper: Ecclesiastes 5:19 attitude. Luke 12:15-21 not an abundance possessions. Luke 16:13-14 you can’t serve God and money. Matthew 19:24 the rich will also have to go through difficulties to reach the kingdom. Proverbs 11:4,28 Don’t trust in your riches here. Proverbs 23:4-5 Ecclesiastes 5:10 will not be satisfied. Mark 4:18-19 deceit from riches choke the word. 1Timothy 6:9-10 money is evil but not bad if you just have it, craving it is a sin. 1Timothy 6:17-19 build Godly treasures up.
Warrior for Christ 