9 The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Sheina Chen

When I think about the rest of my life, there are two fears that always creep in. I don't want to be poor, and I don't want to suffer. Or to put it the other way, I'd like to be rich enough to live a comfortable life, and to have a life free from worries and trials. In many ways, I suspect most people, like me, can desire an easy and comfortable life.

But in this section, James addresses these two desires and turns this way of thinking upside-down. Rather than looking at the rich with envy, or boasting about our material wealth, James warns us that the rich pass away like flowers in the scorching sun. I've got a number of indoor plants which have been left outside. In light of the recent heatwave in Sydney, I can see why James uses this plant analogy to describe the life of the rich! My plants looked like they were thriving, but one scorching summer's day completely wiped them out, and they were left sunburnt, brown, and very dead. Similarly, the lives of the rich might look appealing. But God knows that they'll pass away in the midst of their materialistic living. Instead, James says that it's the lowly brother, the one who lives a humble life, who will be lifted up, who will ultimately have the greater life.

James then returns to a theme that he already introduced in verse 1 – suffering and trials. In verse 1, he said that we should consider it pure joy to persevere through suffering – and now, in verse 12, we see why. Because at the very end, after persevering through all the trials, tests, and temptations, the reward is worth it – the crown of eternal life! 

It can be hard for me to remember these things, when it seems far easier to be rich and comfortable in this life. Perhaps it's tempting to love this world, rather than loving God. But there's something far greater than this life - the eternal life Jesus has given us! What an awesome motivation to live this life counterculturally and to keep loving God!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sheina is a member of our Bossley Park morning and Fairfield evening congregations.