(Further reflections on “Pursuits”—Sunday 13-Feb-2022)
The poor wants to be rich and when they get rich, they want to be richer, which is the same as the rich. Both look for something. Both pursue something. Both, if they are not careful, could end up pursuing the same thing- materialism which offers happiness and satisfaction. But both soon learn those are short lived.
The rich naturally wants to be richer. In addition, wealthiness brings privileges and significance, which subtly lures into thinking that they are self-made successful people. They tend to boast about their achievement and wealth as they keep comparing themselves with those who are richer than them. If this goes unchecked, they will appear arrogant and proud without knowing it. In other words, they will be blind to other people’s needs and are only concerned about what they are pursuing, which usually, is to be richer.
The poor naturally wants to get out of poverty, too. They dream that one day they can be rich like the rich who are usually above them and likely (directly or indirectly) somewhat oppress them. They can be jealous or envious with the rich. It is highly probable that their view is that the rich must have had done some “dirty tricks” in businesses, otherwise they won’t be that rich.
Rich or poor, we all are sinners. We both need Jesus. We both need the gospel to set us free from the pursuit of happiness, which oftentimes means wealthiness. Both are told to have a right view on poverty and prosperity. And the gospel of Jesus Christ should not be colored by or viewed through by neither poverty nor prosperity. This is why we are called to consider/count/lead/believe/live it all joy when we face trials of various kinds. The poor doesn’t need to “look down” and feel shameful (because of being cursed by previous generation or their own making). They are called to view their lowliness in a right way, which is to “boast” (to be confident) in their exaltation, ‘high and lifted up’ status in Christ Jesus. And the rich are called to view their richness in a right way, which is to “boast” in their humiliation. They don’t need to show off their wealth (because they are already rich), but ‘showcase’ their lowliness/humbleness toward others in life. And generosity should be the aroma of their humility, which is in fact, richness in Christ. Both need to view wealthiness in this world as a perishable beauty, which we are called to be stewards/manager of God’s resources as we are His servant. And faithfulness is expected by the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ.
In short, regardless of how rich or poor we are, we are called to rejoice in Christ Jesus who is Lord of all as both are encouraged and warned about their pursuits (whatever that might be). So “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 (James 1:9-11).” Amen.
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Pastor Lap
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