Trophies That Don’t Fade
I am a part of the generation that played sports and received trophies for every soccer, basketball, and cheerleading season completed. As a kid, part of the draw to playing team sports was receiving the plastic-covered gold figurine to display on my bedroom shelves. I didn’t have too many of these golden statues on my shelves, but I acquired enough to feel like I earned something.
I was by no means an athlete. I played, but I wasn’t good. I did, however, have an older brother who was extremely gifted athletically. We would travel as a family to his travel soccer and basketball games, and later to all of his football games, to cheer on and support him. His shelves were overflowing with the accolades of his athletic accomplishments. The inclination to let what is on the shelves of our lives to determine our worth doesn’t go away with age; it just manifests in different ways. James speaks straight to that predisposition.
Last week we looked at asking God for wisdom without wavering like the waves; this week James turns to money, status, and the trials that test what we truly trust.
Just to recap, James, half-brother of Jesus, did not believe He was the Messiah until after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. Afterward, he became a pillar of the church in Jerusalem. In the letter named after him, James writes to encourage the believers who have been scattered by persecution (Acts 8). He is bringing the believers into mature teaching.
Although the first chapter seems to address many topics, this week we will read how James speaks to the financial circumstances of these believers and the posture they should take toward their circumstances (James 1:9-12, NIV):
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls, and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
The Greek word for 'poor' here means, essentially, 'one who does not rise far from the ground,' someone of lowly station. James tells these believers to glory in that position anyway. The NIV reads "take pride in this position," and James calls it a high position, the opposite of how it is perceived in earthly terms. This is what is called the upside-down kingdom of God.
God’s kingdom is very different from our earthly understanding of a kingdom. To the Western world, having a monarchy is completely foreign. To understand why this reversal mattered so much, it would help to understand who James’ audience of this letter was. The Jews in the first century expected the Messiah to come and defend them, to conquer the Romans, and to rule and reign on earth. Jesus came, but in a different way. He invited people and still invites people to take part in His kingdom. His kingdom is not taken by force and is invitational to anyone who wants to be grafted into his realm. During His earthly ministry, Jesus used parables to teach that the last shall be first and the first last. These concepts are backward, or what is referred to as upside down, to our earthly standards. So why is James telling these believers who are enduring trials to rejoice or take pride in their financial insecurity?
He is telling them that their sense of security and pride is not rooted in their earthly financial security or social standing, because in God’s kingdom the humility they wear will elevate them.
In the First Century, the upper class of Jews would have been the religious leaders. They not only had a social standing among the Romans but were also the most financially prosperous group; however, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, salvation was not open only to Jews, but now Gentiles had been opened to believe in Jesus and have a relationship with God through His sacrifice on the cross. So, the dispersed Christians could have come from many different social standings; though likely many were from a mostly low standing. However, there were wealthier among these new converts that would have been patrons to house churches.
James addresses those who had wealth, and unlike the patrons who supported the church, the wealthy addressed leaned into their financial security. He compares this security to a plant or blossom that withers in the scorching sun. It looks vibrant and promising one day and is gone the next. They should now take pride in the Kingdom of God’s value system because their wealth is transitory.
Humanity has not changed in 2000 years. The first-century population was the same as now. Many seek money, status, and fame. Money is not the problem; it is the love of it that is the root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). I do not know that I have ever met anyone who does not desire financial security. As Christians, we are called to steward our finances and belongings well; however, they are not meant to be trophies on our shelves but rather to continue blessing those in need and further the Kingdom of God.
James concludes this section with the one who “perseveres under trial.” All of these people James is writing to are under trial. So those who withstand will receive the crown of life, for those who love Jesus.
The Greek word for this crown is the wreath crown, given as a prize to the victor of public games or to a military leader in recognition of their accomplishments. Unlike the trophies I enjoyed acquiring as an adolescent and even the ones I envied on my brother’s shelves, this one is an eternal trophy, a crown, given to those who put their whole trust in God and live according to His Kingdom.
This crown does not fade. It is your reward if you trust in God and His kingdom. It is your trophy to receive –His eternal reward.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your provision in my life. Forgive me for seeking my security and identity in my financial standing rather than in you. I repent for allowing anything- status, wealth, achievement — to become a substitute for you. You alone are my security and my reward. Reveal any area of false security or idolatry in my heart, and root my worth in you alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.