Loving God In Spite of Circumstances

James 1:9–18
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Having been given the resources needed to deal with the trials of life we are introduced to two specific examples of trials: The Test of Poverty (v. 9) & the Test of Prosperity. James reminds us that worldly possessions are like the bloom of a plant that fades away after it displays its beauty. The poor man must not allow his poverty to depress him but to rejoice in his spiritual privileges and glory in the fact that he is rich in the things that really count. On the other hand, the Christian who possesses all kinds of earthly wealth must not find his joy and satisfaction in his possession of worldly goods. All things of this world are perishable and true wealth consists only of things that are eternal. Money tends to produce a false sense of security and the rich therefore especially need to be reminded of the uncertainty of life. The rich man on the other hand must recognize that his wealth can be his downfall and that all earthly things are very temporary. James reminds Christians who are going through trials that God rewards those who remain steadfast. The reward is twofold: The possession of an inner blessedness (v. 12a) & the reception of a crown of life (v.12b). 

Who is responsible when temptation comes? Man is always ready to shift the blame to someone else. This began with Adam (Gen. 3:12). James is saying that no matter what excuses we make, we have no one to blame but ourselves (vv. 13-15. We are not deceived by other people (v. 16). James declares that God is the source of all that is good (v. 17). There are many secondary causes, but He is the original source of all the good that comes to us. Temptation to evil comes from man’s own heart. Man surrenders his will to lust, conception takes place, and lust gives birth to sin (v. 15). God is not to be blamed; our fellow men are not to be blamed; not even Satan is to be blamed. Sin has its roots in ourselves, and we must bear full responsibility for it. This new life is the source of power that will help us live for Him (v. 18).

Application

A child may say, “He made me do it”, and an adult may say, “The devil made me do it.” The truth is that “I chose to do it.” It is easy for me to do a good thing in a bad way.