Rags to Riches and Riches to Rags

Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. James 1.9-11

The pages of history are littered with dramatic reversals of fortune. It is likely that you have personal experience with such a reversal in your life or in the life of someone you know. Perhaps it was the death of a wealthy relative or an unanticipated dip in the stock market that triggered this reversal. Sometimes it is from rags to riches, sometimes from riches to rags. James wrote of such dramatic reversals of fortune.

Here James issues yet another imperative. The lowly brother is to boast of his high position and the rich man of his low estate. What?! This paradox brings the temporal into contrast with the eternal. Those of humble circumstances in this world are to boast of their promotion to such a high station in God’s eternal kingdom. Those of wealth and high standing in this world are to boast in being humbled in God’s eternal kingdom.

From God’s eternal perspective, the ‘have-nots’ regarding this temporal world’s goods have come into great riches. The lowliest believer has been granted an inheritance encompassing every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places—from rags to riches! Rather than allowing the troubles of this life to get you down, you can delight in the riches of His grace!

Conversely, those rich in this world’s goods will see it all destroyed—from riches to rags. The rich are reminded just how temporary earthly wealth and position are, and the short-sightedness and folly of boasting in them. As quickly as a field of wildflowers withers under a scorching wind the rich will see their earthly riches wither and disappear.

As a state leader, you face endless temptations to boast in your high station and the riches to which you are constantly exposed (and which some of you personally possess). Some of you struggle to earn a living while also working a full-time job for the state at virtually no pay. As a staffer you may feel insignificant as you work behind the scenes.

Today I encourage you to spend a few minutes reflecting upon your current circumstances in the context of eternity, remembering all that is yours in Christ. Abiding joy, a peace that passes all understanding, the constant filling of the Holy Spirit, and rest for your weary soul are only a few of the countless benefits that will come to you as you view yourself and your circumstances from God’s eternal perspective.