James 2:5
Thoughts from Chad Smith
Dive Deeper
“Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him?”
James 2:5
Behind the Scenes
I couldn’t love this verse more! The depiction of God’s heart for the poor resurfaces again and again throughout scripture, and it’s His way of gently reminding us to treat everyone equally. You and I are no better than anyone, and we’re no worse, either.
Firstly, this scripture is actually a rebuke to believers about the issue, but because the word “beloved” is used, it is a gentle, compassionate rebuke with love. It’s as though he knows that we are forgetful and need that gentle push of conviction to bring us back to Christ, and to see people through His eyes.
This scripture also reminds us that our focus should be on our spiritual wealth rather than our material wealth, but it’s difficult in our culture riddled with consumerism. We have houses, cars, phones, toys, pets, etc. It is easier for us to be depraved regarding spiritual wealth, because we get so distracted by screens, noise, and getting that next best thing.
Jesus adores the poor. He sat with them, ate with them, and loved them. He knows every single pain that brought them there, and He loves them just as much as the person on stage at church. We are all equal.
Make it Real
I’ll never forget the time I visited Ethiopia. It changed my life. I visited a church of about a thousand people, and I was asked to speak on stage without any warning or preparation. I’m an introvert and was absolutely horrified at the thought, but when I stood on that stage in front of a thousand smiling faces, something shifted in my heart.
I saw love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control emanating from their faces that shone brighter than any crowd I’d ever seen before. Something about their countenance emanated Jesus, and I spoke freely without fear of judgment despite fumbling over my words. I saw Jesus in them, and I spoke Jesus back to them. The service lasted eight hours total, and their bare feet dancing, praising Jesus, and shouting His name amidst all the mud huts in the neighborhood shook me.
They had something that I didn’t. They were the richest people I’d ever met. Something about their material lack had them so spiritually rich, and I crave it to this day.
We have access to God’s richest wealth if we receive it! If we could lay down every single thing in our lives, He wants to bless us with his wisdom, love and all the fruits of the Spirit in return. It’s time for us to remember what is most important. It’s time for us to befriend a person on the street, help out a neighbor, and love the poor.
I don’t know about you, but I feel challenged to let His love in fully so that I can see everyone the way that He does, and so that He can fill me with something I so desperately need and crave today.
Ali Bair
ACF Devo Team
End in Prayer
Dear God, I pray for Spiritual wealth. I seek your wisdom above all else today in my life. I choose to lay down every material possession I own in your hands so that I can focus on the things that matter. Teach me to prioritize you in my life so that I can be spiritually rich. Amen!