Episode 145 - "Glory in your cirumstances" - James 1:9-11

James 1:9   Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 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.

Is it just me or does it seem like James has totally changed the subject? He started out by talking about trials, testing of faith, God’s plan to make us complete, asking for wisdom in faith, and not being double-minded. But, in verse 9 it would appear that he encourages the poor and the rich to “boast.” It certainly looks like he has changed his topic. But, if you take a look at verse 12, you’ll notice he is back on the topic of trials in one’s life. My point is to argue that we need to let the context of this letter dictate how we should interpret this Scripture. If James is speaking about trials in verse 2 and again in verse 12, it seems unlikely that he is thinking of something completely different in verses 9-11. So, what’s going on?

Let me begin by saying that I believe James is writing to Christians; both poor and rich. James specifically calls the “lowly” a “brother.” (v. 9) The words translated “lowly” and “rich” are both adjectives in the same gender, number, and case of the noun “brother.” It seems to me that James is talking to those he assumes are Christians. It’s important to note that he’s not passing judgment on the lowly or the rich. He is giving both groups of people instruction for wise living.

James tells the “lowly brother” to “boast in his exaltation.” On the surface that may seem to be contrary to the Scriptures that condemn arrogance, pride, and boasting. In fact, later in this letter, James will paraphrase Proverbs 3:34 which says, “Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.” (See James 4:6 ESV) Is James schizophrenic? Is he just forgetful or inconsistent in his theology? I don’t think so. Here’s what I think is going on.

The “lowly” or poor brother (or sister in Christ) will experience trials by virtue of his or her limited resources. The word that is translated as “boast” could also mean “glory.” So, interpreting this text in light of James' instruction to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds”(v. 2) means (in my opinion) that the trials associated with limited financial resources should be understood by the lowly brother as an opportunity that God will use it to strengthen his faith and conform him into the complete follower of Jesus. In a unique kind of way, God values this lowly (poor) person and is using these trials to exalt him or her in God’s estimation. This perspective might run directly against a perceptive that a poor or lowly person has been cursed or made low by God as evidenced by the lack of material resources. But, this is not true James tells us. Therefore, the lowly person should “glory” in what God is doing in their life through these trials. This is not arrogance. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s an acknowledgment and acceptance that God is sovereign and is seeking to work good in our life through this kind of trial.

Conversely, the rich brother has trials of his own. How often do we think that having more money will solve our problems? But, that itself is a lie. Money may buy more comforts in life. But, it doesn’t prevent us from trials. James offers the illustration of the flower. It grows into a beautiful and glorious plant. But, the heat (trial) causes that glory to quickly fade. This is the case with all of our human efforts. They are only good for a short time. I think James is suggesting that the rich man who relies upon his wealth and human efforts is prone to be a double-minded person, one that can’t decide whether he wants to trust God or himself. James is telling this person to glory in the kinds of trials that come with having financial means. A modern example is when there is a decline in the stock market and one’s investments have now lost their value. James would say to that person, glory in the trial of that loss because God is going to use it for something great in your life if you will let Him.

In speaking to the lowly and rich persons alike, James is communicating that we cannot escape trials through our efforts and we should not assume that God favors one person over the next due to their financial and social status. Rather, God wants to use whatever difficult circumstances in our lives to make us complete according to His standard and not that of society. 

Prayer: Lord, help me give you thanks for all things and trust that you are using the various trials to help me see your love for me or my need for humility.