James 1:9-11 ESV    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 also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Can a poor man be considered rich? Well, that depends on how one defines riches. Rich in love, joy, and peace. Rich in the fellowship of friends and family. Rich in every spiritual blessing. Yes, James reminds us that a poor man can indeed be rich. He reminds these scattered Christians that, although they may only have the clothes on their backs, they are rich because they have been exalted to the position of “sons of God.” As the Apostle Paul would later put it: they were “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything” (2 Corinthians 6:10). They might not be rich in possessions, but they were rich in family, fellowship, friends, and faith. Their Heavenly Father would watch over them and their adopted family would rally to their aid. They had nothing for which to feel ashamed; they were kings and priests to their God; they were rulers in the world to come.

The rich, on the other hand, might be considered poor, unless they had experienced the humiliation of recognizing the poverty of possessions. Can someone have everything others could desire: fame and fortune, and still feel empty and unsatisfied? How many times have we heard the stories of such people, whose wealth, power, status and position left them longing for something more. Some, many more than we would expect, have ended the pain and dissatisfaction by taking their own lives. Fortunately, many have also experienced the fullness of faith in Jesus Christ. The abundant life that He offers, like the water He offered the woman at the well, really does quench our thirst for meaning and purpose in life. He gives us a reason to live.

Steve Balmer, former CEO of Microsoft and a multi-billionaire, can afford to drop $2 billion to purchase the LA Clippers, but just like all of us, his billions won’t buy him extra time, greater satisfaction, a better or more loving family, loyal friendship, or eternal life. At some point, we all must realize that our lives will end. Like the vanishing vapor, the fading flower, and the withering grass, our lives have an expiration date invisible to us, but certain nonetheless. The rich man may determine to build his barns and establish his empire, only to hear the words “Tonight your soul will be required of you.” Gone in the middle of the project, in the prime of life, on the verge of enjoying the things he spent his life amassing. No wonder the Preacher moaned, “Vanity, vanity, all is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes is a great read for anyone who has the notion that meaning and purpose can be found in this world, in its possessions or pursuits. Solomon had the resources, time and desire to put these to the test to determine their value in offering inner satisfaction. He concluded that they were “meaningless.”

If you have found Christ, you have found the source of satisfaction, abundant life, eternal life, life worth living. It’s not how much you have, it’s Whom you follow that matters. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Rags to riches is the story of every Christian and the ultimate reversal of fortune awaits us at Christ’s return.