May 5
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JAMES 1
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also, will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. – James 1:9-11
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JAMES 1 ENVY NOT THE RICH!
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
To the poor in this world, do not despair for you are looked after
The Lord promised the poor in the world a legacy to his kingdom
Do not envy the wealthy for their treasures and possessions are passing
When they die, they cannot take their wealth where they’re going
It will be easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye
But impossible for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
Jesus came for the oppressed, the broken hearted and the poor
He didn’t die for the rich; their needs are already provided for
We can only have one master, either we serve money or the Lord
We become enemies of God when we love all things in the world
Serve the Lord your God only with much fear and trembling
The world will only keep you constantly wanting and lusting.
Do not look up to the rich in this world, they are all passing
Focus on the kingdom of God because it is the one that is everlasting
Like plants, flowers and grass, they wither from the sun’s heat
The rich person’s agenda will eventually be snuffed out
Gather riches in heaven that lasts forever and give God the glory
Do not be deceived by the enticement that this world offers.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it so easy for many people to look up to the rich in this world?
• Why did James compare the rich to the flowers of the grass in these verses?
• What is happening inside our hearts when we begin to envy the wealthy and the rich and famous?