Thursday, November 17

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016

 

“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.” (James‬ ‭1:9–11‬)

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In many ways, the Book of James provides an extension of Jesus’s pointed teaching found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Jesus’s earthly brother minces few words in highlighting the essential commitments of true disciples.

This quick snapshot provides a helpful case in point. James discusses the rationale behind avoiding favoritism in Chapter 2, but he introduces the concept through a focus on self-regard. Throughout time, we humans have taken great pains to rank ourselves against others. This tendency towards comparison sometimes leads us to feel more secure – and sometimes less secure. In the end, however, it doesn’t reflect the grace of the Gospel or God’s concern for each person. James emphasizes the foolishness of this endeavor by demonstrating the brevity of life and that death does not discriminate.

Favoritism and comparison ultimately seek to establish our personal superiority above others. The root lies in pride, which leads us to declare to God, “I know better than You.” Such comparisons cause us to forget the God-stamped image in each person. That image gives each person dignity and honor. When we individually or corporately take away that dignity and honor, we fail to reflect God’s character.

Whatever our personal circumstances, we may take joy in celebrating that God-stamped image in each person we meet today. Please listen to their thoughts and attitudes of their hearts. Please find joy in showing each person the love of Christ. And please pray that these God-stamped images would find true fulfillment in submitting themselves fully to Christ. May our light so shine that others may know Him better.

Lord God, thank You for giving us this truth that each person bears Your image and that our station in life doesn’t determine our dignity. Help us to go beyond our natural selves and to love people deeply and from the heart. Help us to demonstrate the love of Christ. Take our fatigue and world-weariness and replace it with a full measure of Your compassion and grace. Use us to bring others closer to You through sharing Your Presence with them. Empower us through the Holy Spirit to live out these commitments today. In Jesus’s Name, amen.

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