“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has god not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?
honoring others
In the Old Testament, and here in James, “the poor” are not the only people elected to inherit salvation. It is a term used to designate those who were both economically oppressed and spiritually inclined. In contrast, the one who comes in “fine clothes” is representing the one who is all about external show, self-importance, and self-sufficiency. Why is it we are so often drawn to the latter? Is it in hopes of becoming like them or simply standing in their good graces? Or are we trying to bask in their ‘glory’?
The comparisons in this passage illustrate what some have called ‘the upside down kingdom’. The poor are those who are economically and/or socially oppressed, yet spiritually inclined. That combination leads to a humble receiving of faith and thus inheritance in the kingdom of Godètrue wealth [as a result of love for God and others]. The rich are economically and/or socially powerful, but spiritually dull and callous. This leads them to view other people in terms of what can be gained by using them. This combination leads to pride and rejection of the Lordship of Jesus ètrue poverty. These are the ones who may mock Christian principles of service, sacrifice and humility, and slander the name of Christ (and you, if you call yourself a Christian)
To me, one of the most poignant parts of The Grapes of Wrath[1] was the way Ma Joad addressed getting help, “If you're in trouble or hurt or need—go to poor people. They're the only ones that'll help—the only ones.” She had come to the hard realization that many who could help physically, would not because they were callous to the pain of others. Of course this is not in reality always the case, but in a spiritual sense, when we know our state of poverty, we can empathize with others and point them to a place of help and sustenance. We can share the riches of truth we ourselves have gleaned.
If someone were to have a bird’s eye view of your life, what would they see resulting from your conversations and actions? Would they see humble invitations to the goodness of God or would they see prideful barriers built for protecting and exalting self?
Read and pray: Prov.3:34-35, Isaiah 57:15-21, Col.2:18-3:2
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