Life and Position Are Transient

Devotion for Sunday July 22, 2018

Sing SS&S 661 (Abu 327) – My Times Are In Thy Hand

Topic: Life and Position Are Transient

Text: James 1:9 – 11

In the beginning of this chapter, James the apostle enjoined us to be happy in the face of trial. When we face trials, it is tempting to look around at others and to compare our trials with theirs. Sometimes when we face difficulties too we are tempted to believe that some people don't face difficulties and that their lives are so easy. This is especially true when dealing with rich and poor.

The poor look at those who are rich and believe that they are getting off easy. They told themselves life is much better when one is rich; most times they wish they were same as the rich believing that riches could be the source of happiness; but James tells the lowly Christian to "boast in his exaltation."

Humanly thinking, one will wonder if the poor man ever thought he had anything to boast of; what exaltation could there be in poverty? However, in this text, the scripture is referring back to being "perfect and complete, lacking nothing in Him who has called us (Jesus Christ)." There is hope for the poor Christian who totally depends on the riches of God’s glory. Someday, that Christian who is lowly at the riches of this world now will be brought up, exalted, to a place of completion and fullness. He looks forward to the future, he does not boast in the present, but in what God is going to do. Certainly, there is no position that is permanent. All will one day pass away whether rich or poor. Therefore, let us learn contentment.

Food For Thought: To be rich is not to have all that the world can provide but to have a life that God and man are pleased with.

Memory Verse: James 1:9 – 10

Prayer Point: Oh God, in whom the lowly is complete; give me the grace to appreciate in every situation I found myself.