“James”
(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)
Please don’t misunderstand James – he is not saying that it’s a virtue to be poor, nor is he saying that it’s a sin to be rich. There are rich and poor people in the world, even among followers of Christ. That is a reality the Bible recognizes. But what James reminds the person “in humble circumstances” (a person of modest economic means) is that when they know Christ in their lives, they actually have spiritual dignity and wealth that is tantamount to lasting riches (read-Mark 10:21; 2 Corinthians 8:9). On the other hand rich believers should remember that their riches had absolutely no influence on God showing His grace in their lives. In fact God deals with them as if they had nothing; and still gives them grace. That is what they should celebrate – that God blesses us not because of what we are or have – which could vanish in a moment – but because of who He is: a God of Love who gives.
Prayer
You became poor so that I, through your poverty, may become “rich” (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9). How can I ever say that I am poor, if I know you are by my side, Lord Jesus? In fact your Word reminds me how you richly bless me with “every spiritual blessing.” Forgive me when I take my eyes off you and focus on my circumstances, just like Peter took his eyes off you as he walked on water and began sinking! Forgive me too when all is going well and I focus on my blessings, forgetting the Giver. I humble myself before you O gracious Giver – whether it is in plenty, or when I have nothing. It is You I need most of all – you will always be my crown. Amen.
