James 1:9-10

"Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his elevation [as a Christian, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God]" James 1:9

In context with those asking God for things in the face of trials... James presents to us, two types of people, to help us get an appreciation of "the trial". First, we look within the family of God. James asks us to look at "believers" whom have been humbled... a condition that brings about a right perspective of ourselves... sinners, in need of repentance... a people that, see the events around them from God's point of view. James reminds us that there is someone in the Church that can tell us how God used their trial to grow them.

I am reminded how God has used my story in Church to share with others going through similar trials. I have been through trials that would send most men running to live under over-passes or back-allies, turn to drugs or alcohol, yet, through Christ, I am am able to share, how God used my trials make me strong in the face of storms, to understand things as they relate to God... and to give my testimony to others. Now, I must admit, that I have lost so much money, property, and things that I thought were valuable to me, than I care to think about... but I have also changed the way I valued those things. But what about people who have a lot things besides a saving faith to lean on? Let's read...

10. "And the rich [person ought to glory] in being humbled [by being shown his human frailty], because like the flower of the grass he will pass away."

Now this verse speaks of someone "rich" being "humbled" also... but notice a terrible point! They were not humbled until death. What happens at death that is humbling. Well, how about the fact that all you thought was valuable did not come into eternity with you? How about all you thought was so important is now being squandered by greedy lawyers, and family and friends fighting over them before you dead body is even covered with dirt. How humbling it must be to stand now before the God who loved you and made all that wealth available to you and you never knew Him.

So there they are... two types of people... one type whom knew God and considered trials as complete joy... another type of people who instead of God, depended solely on the riches God allowed them. But both have one trial yet to go through... and the outcome for each will be very different. The resulting decision of that trial will be eternal. We will look at this again in greater depth, later in our study.

Let's pick up with James verses 1:11-12 next time.


I love you.