Equal under Grace
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich, in that he is made low James 1:9–10
Feelings of superiority that foster unjust discrimination aren’t a modern-day phenomenon. The first-century church had the same problem.
When James refers to the person of “low degree” in verse nine, he’s talking about those who were held in less esteem than others—most likely due to economic and social status. The chasm between rich and poor in the first-century church was wide. No middle class existed. This chasm led to discriminatory behavior when church members met to worship and fellowship.
James reminds his readers that all are equal under grace. Both rich and poor need a savior; only through God’s grace is anyone granted the gift of salvation. James advises “believers in humble circumstances” to rejoice because they’ve been exalted to the position of co-heirs with Christ (James 1:9). They have received the riches of God’s “kindness, forbearance, and patience” (Romans 2:4). The apostle Paul described this spiritual inheritance as “incomparable,” “boundless,” and “glorious” (Ephesians 2:7; 3:8, 16).
The rich, James says, need to remember how temporary their wealth is. Ill health, bankruptcy, earthquake, or fire can destroy earthly riches. So can persecution, which many first-century Roman citizens and Jews discovered when they converted to Christianity. But nothing can separate God’s children from His grace, peace, hope, love, or righteousness. So, James counseled, rejoice in what endures, not what withers like a flower in the noonday sun (v. 11).
God wants us all, regardless of our economic or social status, to recognize the superior value of our spiritual inheritance. By grace, we all kneel shoulder to shoulder before God’s throne as brothers and sisters; by grace, we all share the privilege of community on earth and citizenship in heaven.
When you’re among other Christians, do you rejoice in the eternal riches you all possess and the equality you share in Christ? Or do you allow earthly inequalities to mar your fellowship and foster discord?
Lord, help us focus more on what binds us to other Christians and less on what divides us. Teach us to rejoice in the spiritual riches we have in Christ. Amen.
DIG DEEPER:
Read 1 Timothy 6:17–19. How does Paul’s teaching mirror James’s teaching? What kind of riches should every Christian pursue? Is that what you’re pursuing?
Read 2 Corinthians 8:9 and Philippians 2:6–7. How did Jesus model the proper view of poverty and riches for us? How can you model it for someone else?
Read Luke 18:18–30. Who do you identify with in this story—the ruler, the crowd, or Peter? What is Jesus teaching about status, wealth, and commitment to Him?
Denise K. Loock
This devotion is part of a series on the Book of James.