November 13, 2024 - James 1

“Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position.  But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow.   For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever.  So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away” (1:9-11).  The Bible is consistent in everything it teaches.  Though we sometimes run across a passage difficult to understand, those are few and far between and, when rightly understood, fit perfectly into all of revelation.  These verses from James recall Jesus’ warning in the Sermon on the Mount about laying up riches on earth instead of heaven.  Also, they recall his explanation that “the last will be first, and the first last” (20:16).  All we need is provided by Jesus and is found in him and his faithfulness.

You are my Strength

When I am weak.

You are the Treasure

That I seek.

You are my All in all.

Seeking You

As a precious Jewel,

Lord to give up

I’d be a fool.

You are my All in all!   --Alfred B. Smith (1942)