God’s word brings wonderful balance into the life of His children. The Christian, who is in a lowly position by the world’s standards, has much to rejoice in because of his high standing as a redeemed child of God (v9). The poor believer, who has riches stored up in heaven for eternity, is not to envy the rich man who has riches for a short time and who is spiritually bankrupt.

On the other hand the rich believer is not to be full of pride and self-importance because he is also a fragile creature who can leave this world in an instant (v10). Material wealth should not be too important to any believer because it will disappear as no one can take it with them after death (v11).

James is encouraging all believers, to look at where they are spiritually, as being far more important than where they are materially. Do you look at life this way?

The believer needs to always keep one eye on eternity and on meeting Christ after death (v12). The crown of life that Jesus gives to the believer will make the trials and riches of this world appear so insignificant. On that day we’ll surely realise how foolish we have been in being distracted from Christ.