[Wednesday's Devotional] - Humility

James 1:9-12: Humility

“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position” Verse 9

Only God is worthy of glory and worship. It is important as Christians to remind themselves of that, instead of seeking our own glory. Christians who have little material wealth will not feel wealthy in the world’s eyes, but God can give them wealth in his eyes. Those who believe can have the treasures of heaven. They know that these treasures are given by God and not something that they have done for themselves. But what about those with faith and earthly wealth and status?

“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.” Verse 10 and 11

The rich will lose their earthly wealth either during their life but definitely in their death. This wealth may be money and possessions, but it can also be a trait like pride or status. At first this sounds as though the rich cannot be part of God’s Kingdom, but that is not true. Just as the poor are saved by faith alone, the rich are also saved by faith alone. There will be no wealth in heaven and no division in status. But those who are poor know humility and those who are rich need to learn. Those with earthly wealth will need to learn true humility by learning from the poor and recognising their earthly wealth is worthless in heaven.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” Verse 12

Trials and problems affect everyone, whether they are rich or poor. God grants eternal life to all those who follow him and have faith regardless of their circumstances. We need to be humble and not expect God to provide us with a sheltered earthly life, but take pride that we follow a God who is with us, comforting us and developing us through trials. God has promised eternal life to all who believe and God keeps his promises.

Are you humble or are their areas of pride and wealth you need to let God into?

What change can you make today to live more humbly for God?

Thank God for his glory and for help to have pride in his power instead of your own.

Anna Naish