– My Friend James: Rich Vs Poor

James hits the “rich versus poor” comparison and guidelines several times. He offers both instructions and warnings.

In James 1:9-11, he mentions that the lowly brother should rejoice in that he is exalted. How are the lowly exalted? I would say because God gives them sonship and a future of hope, leadership, and glory that they don’t have now and maybe can’t even hope for in this life due to the way society and governments work, or due to health issues, natural disasters, or something else outside their control.

And let’s be clear, Jesus said there would always be poor people among the people of God [See Matthew 26:11]. So, it isn’t like being called is an agreement that you’ll now overcome all factors keeping you from being rich in this life. The health and wealth gospel is not a valid way to look at God’s promises for this life. But that is a subject for another time.

The rich, says James, are to rejoice that God has humbled them. How is that? Well, for one, they have the same hope as poor people – their future is not better because they are rich now. Second, they become slaves of God and Christ, just like poor people. God does not look at them differently because they are rich in this life. A rich person does not get a pass on learning to be humble and to serve God, the church, and our fellow man. In fact, all this may be a bit tougher on those who have had great things in this life. [See Matthew 19:24]

Here is how James explains it: the rich need to understand the very temporary nature of what they have now. It’s as long-lasting as a flower. In other words, pretty short-lived compared to eternity. And just in case the rich didn’t get that point quickly, James spells it out in some detail in verse 11. James 1:11 [NKJV] “For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So, the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.”

It is true in society, and has been all throughout time, that the rich are favored over the poor. Their success is credited to their business acumen, education, intelligence, etc. The rich are more likely to be asked their opinions on all matters – not just on business or money. They get access to leaders and opportunities to influence government that isn’t available to everyday people. This is true even in the USA where we literally profess that “all men are created equal”.

[Mar 12:43-44 NKJV] 43 So He called His disciples to [Himself] and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 "for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."

James cautions strongly against this worldly attitude toward the rich – this favoring of the rich over poor – being allowed to infiltrate the body of Christ, spending the first 13 verses of James 2 on that issue.

Yet, I have seen it happen. In fact, it sometimes seems that the Golden Rule has been changed to “He who has the gold makes the rules” among some Christian congregations. James very frankly points out that this is a sin – no different from adultery or murder. James 2:9 [NKJV] “but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”

Sweet sisters, we need to be careful about treating the rich differently from the poor, especially showing any partial treatment to those rich among our congregations. If you are rich, congratulations, use your riches to serve God, His people, and the world. This will be praised by our Father. Rejoice that you too are now a humble servant of God. Understand the role of God’s blessing and mercy in all the good things you have in this life. Do not leverage your wealth to gain stature in the church.

If you are poor, understand that this is not because God favors others. He loves you just as much. He offers you sonship in His Kingdom, forgiveness of sins, mercy, hope, etc. exactly as He offers it to the rich. They do not have an advantage when it comes to salvation or future rewards. Your smaller works might even be given greater reward because they are more of a sacrifice – like the widow of Mark 12:41-44.

Rich or poor, we are beloved children of God, with the same hope and future, and that is how we must look at ourselves and each other.

I hope you will continue to meet with me here and will share your own thoughts on the book of James.

You can write me any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org