Slideshow image

James 1:9 “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 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 will fade away even while they go about their business.” NIV 

 

Do you remember the game King of the Castle? For those who were raised under a bridge or in a dungeon and may never had privy to such childhood adventure, the game consisted of a hill or some high place in the playground and one child attempted to rule this advantageous position until another child, by force, pushed or persuaded the king off their perch thus gaining the high ground. The prize for obtaining this high position was often a black eye, a few bruises, and grass stains that mom had difficulty removing. Now that I think of it, the game seemed to be enjoyed most by bullies! So why participate in such a barbarous game? Well it was the song of course.

 

Very few childhood games came with a song which many a child sought to sing. And I could only sing it if I managed to become the king. Even if I could only sing the song for a few short seconds the effort was worth it (or maybe not). The song has had many variations through the years but the gist of it is the declaration of my kingship and all others around me were, well, “dirty rascals”!

 

As we grew up we realize this game still is played but the stakes are much larger and the penalties much harsher. Everyone ones seeks to get to the top of the hill so to speak and be the king of the castle in their area of influence…the hill of popularity, the hill of fame, the hill of finances, the hill of success, the hill of promotion, or the hill of control. There is no song but the smug feeling of temporary delight from self effort and achieving my goal at any cost still remains.

 

In observance of this phenomenon which existed even in his day, James shares a truth that speaks to the heart of every person seeking to know and follow Jesus. It is the fact that in the realm of eternity, this hill is actually upside down. The advantageous person is the one who pursues the low ground. The reason for this is that this life is only a small season in the scheme of things. James compares it to the life cycle of a flower that blooms for a short time and then it is done.

 

Consequently, my efforts to gain stuff here on earth mean nothing in the light of eternity. But lowering myself does. It matures me and molds me and makes me pliable for God to use. It also allows me to work with all people.  It is not the striving to be poor that James is advocating. It is the effort to humbly follow Jesus that takes ground ultimately…plus you will not get as many bruises.