James, a little book of wisdom: there but for the grace of God, go I
Today’s wisdom:
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 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.
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. James 1:9-12
My random musings:
Remember, James is the brother of Jesus. He will have heard the words of Jesus firsthand. He will have been in the crowds listening to the teachings in what we have come to know as the Sermon on the Mount. Maybe he had the opportunity to ask Jesus to explain and expand more as they sat around the table at their parents’ home.
Today’s wisdom has the same tone as the Beatitudes doesn’t it? It’s this idea of an upside kingdom where the first shall be last and the last shall be first. Those who find themselves in humble circumstances will be lifted up and those who are rich and successful will be brought down. Over 2000 years on and we still struggle to understand this way of thinking. Our society elevates the celebrity, is on the side of the rich and the powerful, while ignoring the voice of the dispossessed and vulnerable. The policies of our government reflect this. The way people vote reflects this.
‘The poor’ don’t just need money – each one is an individual loved by God in need of time and attention and affirmation and practical support and company. And this passage makes it clear: being top dog is transitory. We never know when everything will change, when we will become the one who needs support and help and advice.
You’ll have heard the saying ‘there but for the grace of God, go I’. This truth is generally attributed to John Bradford, an English reformer from the mid-sixteenth century, in reference to a group of prisoners being led to execution. John Bradford was imprisoned in the Tower of London for alleged crimes against Mary Tudor and burned at the stake on 1 July 1555.
So he was right. We never know. We just never know. Everything is for a season – health, wealth, security, position, success, popularity…nothing lasts forever. And so we enjoy it while it lasts, never take it for granted, express gratitude daily, never feel entitled like we deserve it any more than the next person – and always show compassion for others in more difficult circumstances.
The real test of character and faith comes with trials – that’s when we need to dig deep for perseverance and endurance.
My questions for you:
Where do you position yourself on this scale from humble circumstances to high position? How could a change in understanding help you in showing compassion to yourself and others?
