Last and First

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. (James 2:5-10)

James is not saying it is a sin to be rich, but saints must first be rich toward God. Material wealth must never be our focal point or primary goal, nor does having earthly riches commend us to God. Our Father always looks at the heart, and our hearts must be filled with His Spirit of grace and kindness toward all -- especially toward the poor and needy. 

Understand clearly that the last will be first in the Kingdom. The forgotten will be remembered, those who weep will laugh, the poor will be provided for, the hungry fed, and the Lord will give beauty for ashes. We who are blessed and favored are not called to debase ourselves with some morbid display of lowliness, but we are instructed to humble ourselves and take every opportunity to share the love and blessings we have received without pride or prejudice toward anyone for any reason. God does not play “favorites” and neither must we. 

Let's Pray - Father, may we treat every man and woman as we desire to be treated. May prejudice not be found in our hearts or in your church. In Jesus, Amen.