James 1:9-11

Scripture: James 1:9-11
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he 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 man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
 
Observations:
Completely against what the world says! Ranking is usually based on money and power, yet the Lord redefines what it is to have a high position. You can't really buy humility. You can't really learn it unless you go through it. On the flipside, getting caught up with money... we think we are invincible. This root of evil gets down deep and we forget how in need we are. We "go about our business" and busy ourselves with worldly riches.
 
Application:
Right now I'm that rich person, being awakened to how selfish I'd been. I spent my money the way I wanted to. I look back and regret how much I splurged on unnecessary stuff. Now with all my preparations for the mission trip, I find myself selling everything and it's so weird. IT IS SO WEIRD to be in a room full of stuff that won't be mine anymore after a week. It's also a great blessing to know the Lord is gonna take care of me like He has been this whole time. My application to these verses is to be humble no matter what, and try to go about God's business.  
 
Prayer:
Father I come to You tonight asking for humble hearts for me and my sisters in Christ. Make us fully focused so we can pursue Your plans. Don't let us get busy with anything else, especially money! Don't let our beauty be destroyed or fade away because of money. Convict us of these things, and anything else that gets in the way of us desperately seeking You. We love you more than anything. In Christ's name I pray, amen.