October 24, 2023

Passage Read: James 2-3
Meditation Verses: 2:1-5

Thought

How easy it is to fall into this trap, seeking the favor of rich men and ignoring or belittling the poor, especially when we are involved in an endeavor that depends on money. A church, a mission agency, a business, everyone wants a rich patron, so everyone curries the favor of rich men, hoping that one might adopt our cause. Who cares about the poor man? He has no money for himself, let alone for our cause! He's going to cost money, not contribute. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Better to keep things simple and small so that there is no burden of finances that tempt us into this trap.

Application

God has chosen the poor man to be rich in faith, so they should be the people I admire and desire to learn from. Not just any poor person, but the one who has faith despite his circumstances. The rich man is a lie, too easily caught up in his own undeserved influence, too easily deceived by the fawning of greedy men. There may be those who believe in truth, but it is hard for them to truly trust in something outside their riches. Above all, it is wrong for me to value one man over another because of his bank account balance. I am not to show favoritism, but if I do, it should be to honor those who have little yet honor God, over those who have much and expect special treatment. The rich need to be reminded to be generous and to share with those in need, to be rich in good works, and not to trust in their riches.