February 22, 2002
Opposites
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he 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 man will fade away even as he goes about his business. James 1:9-11
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12
I hear a gospel today that says if you serve the Lord with all your heart that you will be rich. I hear a gospel today that says your standing with the Lord is determined by your wealth. I wonder if that was a teaching that was being addressed in this letter? I do not believe that it is inheritantly wrong to have money. Many believers in the church of Acts had many possessions. These were the ones who saw that the needs of all were met. However, what of those who have money and do not use it for the glory of God and to help those in need? This says that person shall fade away, even as they go about doing their business. I will use a slightly different version of part of this passage if you would allow me to. For the Son rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. That sounds a little like judgment.
The Lord has told me over and over that the things of him are opposite to the things of this world. What this world believes is important is not what is important to God. Now what does this world say of things such as this? The world says if you have beauty, are talented, can sing, play sports, have money and great possessions, then you are important. However, look at Jesus. He was a humble man of no wealth. How can we believe that he desires all his children great physical wealth? Not all can handle that wealth without being destroyed by it. We must be humble at all times in all things. We must learn to have the humility of Jesus, who did not open his mouth when he was accused. We must humble ourselves, now, before God.
I do not desire for the Lord to humble me. I desire to be humble before him. There is such a difference. I have felt the hand of the Lord as he showed me what it meant to be more humble. He removed from me money, possessions, things of great importance on this earth. Why would he remove these things? So I would learn to rely on him and on him alone. The things of this earth will all pass away. No earthly wealth is secure, for they all can fall and be destroyed. There is only one thing that can be relied on and that is God. He will never fail you. If the banks fail, he still owns the cattle on a thousand hills. If a marriage dies, he is still your husband. If your home burns, he is your shelter. If there be no place to escape the troubles that assail from all sides, he is your hiding place in times of trouble. What a mighty and great God we serve. He is ALL we need. He will see that our needs are met. He is God.
Father, I thank you that you are so faithful, even when I am not. Lord, in Jesus name, you give to me the constant desire to rely on you and you alone. Father, I am but a housewife that you have called to serve you. I rejoice that you use me. Lord, use each one that reads this in ways they can never imagine. Lord in Jesus name, put the desire to be humble in the heart of each one. Father, in Jesus name we rejoice in you faithfulness, amen.
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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