If you have ever been to the poor part of town, the differences are noticeable. Buildings are run down, and there seem to be more people in less space, but you will often find a close-knit community. People care for one another more and are there for each other when times are tough. You will often find a thriving community of believers who are rich in faith. This isn’t by accident.
JAMES 2:5
“Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”
Not All It is Cracked Up to Be
Being rich is all it’s cracked up to be, especially when it comes to living for Christ. When you have the financial resources, you are duped into believing that you can buy your way out of any situation or cure any problem. What happens when money can’t solve it is a crisis of faith. I’ve seen some of the wealthiest people rendered to their knees because they had nowhere to turn and didn’t believe they had the faith for God to move.
Turning to God
James tells us the poor are rich in faith because often, that is all they have. They don’t have the resources or connections, and society often discriminates against them. Turning to God and trusting Him becomes a normal way of life. This, in turn, produces a steadiness when the storms hit. They have seen God move in impossible situations and aren’t as fazed when they come. Most of us have a lot to learn from the poor. (You may think you are poor compared to those around you, but if you can access this on the internet or through email, you have more resources than about 75% of the world.)
Rich in Faith
Faith is a fruit of the Holy Spirit working in your life. When you surrender to His work and lean upon God during the difficult times, your faith will grow. Always rely more on God than you do your money. This will train you for those times when you have nothing else, and it will encourage those who are struggling with trust. Remember, God will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, not good and wealthy.