Pure Joy: 7 Devotions in the Book of JamesSample

A Big, Beautiful Life

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. JAMES 1:9-11 ESV

When we arrive at a party, we tend to gravitate to the most with-it-looking person there—someone who might possess money, cleverness, or power. That is, someone who can improve our own circumstances in some way, perhaps even financially.

Everybody has done this social twiddling. Even at church! Well, money is useful, nice, and good. It is only the love of money that gets us into trouble. But boy, oh boy, it is so natural for us to romance the idea that money is the great buffer. The finest way to live a larger, more beautiful life. Hmmm.

So, how on earth are we to view wealth or the lack of it? Well, if you don’t have a lot of money to speak of, you are being exalted in this life. If you are rich, know that there is an element of humiliation to it, because it can fade away as quickly as a flower wilting in the summer heat. The accumulation of wealth can become an obsession, as we desire it more and more. There can be an element of haughtiness, too, that slips in ever-so-slyly, as we come to feel we deserve it all.

But how does God’s vantage point on wealth play out in day-to-day living? Well, it is right to enjoy and be thankful for the money God has given us, and not to be tightfisted, but instead openhanded with others who are in need. Yes, to glorify God with all we possess. Realistically, this balancing act sounds complicated and impossible in our humanness. It is, actually, but with God, all things are possible…

Dear Jesus, sometimes I have extra money and sometimes I don't. Please remind me of the way You see life here: to You, a big, beautiful life is first having a humble spirit and enjoying the richness of Your divine presence. Amen.