LET THE POOR SAY I AM RICH

POOR BUT RICH

     The epistle of James is a book of the Bible that one should ponder over every word.  There are two kingdoms.  The kingdom of this world and the Kingdom of our Lord.  Even now as we speak there are two kingdoms: at the same time.  We are drawn to the one and discount the other. 

     The problem is we can’t see the one.  And we very much, live in the other.  Our senses are enticed.  We are drawn to this world.  Our senses long to be gratified.  We need our senses to live in this world; to survive in this world.  But if we don’t consider and ponder in prayer and meditation we will be drawn away from His Kingdom. 

     Senses are vital but senses are temporary.  We seek after that which is temporary and neglect that which is lasting.  The important things we dismiss, and we chase after those things which we can’t hold onto. 

     This book of James is a warning to the rich and an encouragement to the poor.  It says let the brother of low degree (poor) rejoice in that he is exalted.  And let the rich be made low, because like the flower of the grass, he shall pass away.  The poor lack resources to satisfy their senses.  But rejoice for God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and they will be heirs to the Kingdom of God as he promised to those who love him.

     The rich have a tendency to lust after things.  They want more and more.  It causes contention between people.  They never seem to get enough.  They are never satisfied.  It’s as if God is not answering their prayers because they aren’t getting enough.  It’s a viscous cycle.  The more you have the more you want.  What the author is saying is to reconsider.  Get alone with God often and meditate.  Recognize your finality.  You must detach, disengage, disown, remove yourself from this kingdom.  You heard the saying “Just do it”.  How about “Just let go” of this world and this world system.

     It isn’t saying all poor people will go to heaven and all rich people will go to hell.  But the poor are in a better place that makes them more open to the gospel while the rich have many distractions that makes it more difficult.

     What does this have to do with health.?   Good question.  Peace is the foundation for good health.  Make your peace with God and the Prince of Peace will be with you.  Seek after Him as you would gold and silver and he will reveal himself to you.  Whether you are rich or poor don’t seek after that which is fleeting.  Peace, unlike senses, is lasting, is eternal.  It is always there.  It never goes away. 

                                 May the Peace of God be with you.