SCRIPTURE: James 1:9-11 NLT Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 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.
THOUGHT: When she was little, one of my girls would gleefully announce, “it’s opposites day!” Then she would proceed to turn everything she said upside down and keep me guessing at what she really meant. James preaches “opposites day” to his listeners – and its ideas are contrary enough that it could certainly keep people wondering what he might say next: If you think wealth and beauty and success are everything you need, think again. On the other hand, if you think all is lost because you have so little in any or all of those categories, think again. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. In the upside-down kingdom, wealth and beauty fade and common people become important to the story.
Whichever part of the spectrum you’re on, take heart. In the end, it isn’t your circumstances that dictate your love for God and his for you.
PRAYER: Give me wisdom, God, so that I can apprehend true life rather than get distracted by circumstances, thinking my life is in them.
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