source : w97 11/15 11 Rich and Poor Can Exult 9 Even if poverty is one of our trials, let us bear in mind that both rich and poor Christians can exult. (James 1:9-11) Before becoming Jesus’ followers, most anointed ones had little materially and were looked down upon by the world. (1 Corinthians 1:26) But they could exult over their “exaltation” to the standing of Kingdom heirs. (Romans 8:16, 17) Conversely, rich people who were once honored experience “humiliation” as Christ’s followers because of being despised by the world. (John 7:47-52; 12:42, 43) As Jehovah’s servants, however, all of us can exult because worldly wealth and high standing amount to nothing compared to the spiritual riches we enjoy. And how grateful we are that among us there is no place for pride as to social status!—Proverbs 10:22; Acts 10:34, 35. 10 James helps us to see that our life does not depend on wealth and worldly achievement. As a flower’s beauty cannot prevent it from dying in the sun’s “burning heat,” so a rich man’s wealth cannot lengthen his life. (Psalm 49:6-9; Matthew 6:27) He may die while pursuing his “ways of life,” perhaps in business. Hence, the important thing is to be “rich toward God” and to do all we can to promote Kingdom interests.—Luke 12:13-21; Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 02:39:42 +0000
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