Take the view from Heaven

 

James 1:9-12

Why the Bible makes no sense to our culture, it tells the poor man to boast in his exaltation and the rich man in his humiliation.  No one, including many pastors, acts like this Scripture is true.  That is not how the world works; we look for the ones who have successes, not the poor, and we sure do not tell them to feel excessive happiness or exhilaration because of their lowly status.  And whom do you know in or out of the church that tells a rich man that he should feel like he has less dignity, is he not the one we look up to?

If we look at life from heavens view, we understand clearly the message to those of us in the church that are blessed; God needs us to refocus on these verses.  “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.  For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes.  So will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.   If we look from heavens view, we understand that we are greatly loved by God, but He is not impressed with our status in this world.  He compares us to the flower on grass, and no matter how remarkable it is today, if you go back the next day it is gone, that’s how God sees us, and a wise person would move his thinking to the view from heaven.

It would be somewhat of a bummer if we did not read verse 12, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”   Life on planet earth is not one exam but many, and it has a reward that is out of this world for all who remain steadfast under the trials of this life.   No matter what status you find yourself in, take the view from heaven and rejoice that God has chosen you to be part of His family, you are a very rich person.

From Heavens View,

Bob