James (W1D4) Riches Fade

Week 1. Thursday: Riches Fade

PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.

READ: James 1:9-11

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wildflower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words

• Humble circumstances: This is a reference to believers who are in poverty.

• Take pride in their high position: James is saying that believers who are poor will ultimately be exalted or vindicated by God. This is the same principle Jesus was teaching in Matthew 5:3-5.

• The rich should take pride in their humiliation: James is saying that those who put their trust in riches should show humility by first, realizing that wealth is temporary and gives us no advantage before God. Second, those who are rich should seek to identify with the poor and seek ways to help the poor.

• Pass away like a wildflower: Wealth and possessions are as temporary as a withering plant. In light of eternity, earthly wealth is extremely short lived.

• Fade away: Even while we are working ourselves to death to get wealthy, our wealth is constantly fading away at the same time.

APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?

Here’s a thought to consider. Both poverty and wealth bring an enormous amount of pressure on people. If you’re struggling financially you are constantly worried getting more money. If you are wealthy you are constantly worried about keeping your money. The key is being content in whatever circumstance God has placed you in (see Philippians 4:12-13).

How can we take pride in humble circumstances?

Why is the pursuit of getting rich an unwise pursuit?

PRAY: Thank God for all He has given you and to help you be more content.