DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- EXALTATION AND HUMILATION

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – EXALTATION AND HUMILIATION

"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." (James 1:9-10)

We put so much emphasis on eternal appearances. We tend to place the poor in one group and the rich in another, and we esteem those who seem to have material wealth. In chapter two, James warns against showing partiality to those who are rich and dishonoring the poor.

But how can a poor person glory in his exaltation? And how can the rich glory in his humiliation? Good question. The words of Peter resonate here. "All of you be submissive to one another, but be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (I Peter 5:5-6).

The exaltation may not happen in this time-frame. It may be in eternity. But the fact is that wealth does not exclude a person from humility. There are many people who are wealthy, but have remained humble in their financial blessing.

The poor person understands that he may not be exalted in this life, but because of his faith in Christ and his faithfulness to Christ, he will glory in his lowly position. And the rich person must understand that his wealth is only in this world and will pass away along with himself. His faith will be what he takes to heaven. Death has a way of leveling the playing field.

But back to the question about glorying in our exaltation and humility. Whatever our financial status, God calls us to humility, and when we get to heaven, we can all – both rich and poor – glory in God's grace and mercy. What a time that will be. Oh, that will be glory for me.

Love, Dad