I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? (part-06)

I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? (part-06)

HUMILITY:
Okay, we understand James’ point in James 1:8 (when he talks
about being double-minded), but what can help us when we are
trying to make a choice between the things of the world and our
dedication to the Lord? One area to evaluate is our attitude.
James says we should be encouraged when we are living in
a humble (or poor) circumstance.
    “The brother in humble circumstances
     ought to take pride in his high position.” (James 1:9)

If you are like me then you are probably wondering how
someone poor can have a high position? We can get an
idea by reading these verses.
    “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where
     moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
     But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth
     and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in
     and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will
     be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

What would the poor have that would make them want to rejoice?
It’s a good attitude, isn’t it? They may not have all they want, but
they are happy with what they have. In addition, they are building
treasures to enjoy when they arrive in heaven. I believe it goes even
deeper. As we focus our attention on future and eternal rewards, we
discover that we are building a bond of trust and fellowship with
the God of the universe.

When considering all the potentials for problems in this
life, isn’t a close fellowship with our omnipotent God
worth celebrating? Even the poorest of the poor can take
pride in his relationship with the Lord.

We can experience all kinds of difficulties, but what types of
trials did the poor have to deal with in biblical times? We can
see that one issue they faced was discrimination as a result of
their financial situation.
    Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring
    and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes
    in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes
    and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man,
    “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not
    discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil
    thoughts? (James 2:2-4)

They also had to deal with privation (which means living when things
that are essential for human well-being, such as food and warmth, are
scarce or lacking).
    Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
    If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm
    and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs,
    what good is it? (James 2:15-16)

Another issue they had to deal with was exploitation.
    Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who
    mowed your fields are crying out against you. The
    cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the
    Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury
    and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves
    in the day of slaughter. (James 5:4-5)

With all of these issues to deal with, we can see how the poor in
those days would have a desire to find a friend who is available,
trustworthy, and concerned about their welfare. The Lord is exactly
the One they could depend on for help and encouragement.

WEALTH:
As if James hasn’t confused us enough about people in humble
(or poor) conditions, he also states that the wealthy should take
pride in what – their elite status? No, he says they should take
pride in their low position.
    But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position,
    because he will pass away like a wild flower. (James 1:10)

Confusing? What could he possibly mean in this verse? How can
a rich person have a low position? Well, for one thing he can realize
that he is not above others, but is no more than a lowly sinner like
everyone else.

Being wealthy can have its own set of problems. There are times
when the wealthy can feel alone because they are unsure of which
people they can trust as true friends. Some may appear to be friends,
but they are only acting friendly in order to get what they can from
the wealthy person.

James implies that a rich person should actually be glad regarding
his low position. Does that really make sense? What would make
them glad? They (and we as well) can be happy in knowing that as
a lost person, they can experience salvation through the grace of God.
We all know that salvation is offered by the Lord as a gift to all who
are undeserving. It is not something that we suddenly decide to get for
ourselves. If we are not “called” then how can we answer His call?
One question we may have is, “To whom does the Lord decide to offer
the gift of salvation?” The answer to this question is easy – He offers
salvation to everyone!
    For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
    only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish
    but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

The scriptures are very clear – when it says “whoever”, it means
everyone is offered an opportunity to be saved. Some say that only
the ‘elect’ will be saved, but who are the ‘elect’? Doesn’t ‘elect’
mean to choose? We ‘elect’ people to serve as president, senator,
representative, mayor, etc. In other words, we ‘choose’ who will
serve by voting for them. With that thought in mind, wouldn’t the
‘elect’ be those who ‘choose’? I think it is. That means that everyone
has the opportunity to choose to accept God’s salvation, therefore
‘elect’ includes everyone!

Another question we may have is, “Why would He decide to offer
salvation to those in opposition to Him?” This question is also
answered in John 3:16 – because He loves us! Isn’t it great to know
that the only true God of the universe loves us in spite of how much
we disappoint or rebel against Him? Regardless of our failures, He
does not want us to perish. But we WILL perish whenever we do not
accept His call. Failing to accept His call will cause us to suffer
eternal separation from the One Who loves us unconditionally.

We can also experience a form of perishing here on earth when we
realize we are separated from His presence. When we do not have
fellowship with the Lord, we can feel alone, restless and incomplete.
We have the feeling that something is missing in our life, and it can
cause us to have the same feelings as ‘one who is perishing at sea’.
It is a feeling of separation and hopelessness.

James also explains the brevity of wealth and fame. He says that it
is useless to place our faith in these areas. Why? Because our time
on earth is limited and wealth and fame cannot go with us when we
leave this world. However, the rich can be glad in knowing that they
are sinners (just like the poor), with the hope of a better life provided
through salvation, which is the gift of God’s grace.

James wants to be sure we understand that chasing riches is not
what we are designed to do. Even if we attain great wealth, a lot
of our time will have been spent on attaining something that can
only be experienced for a short time. The fruits of these pursuits
cannot compare with the lasting rewards of pursuing the Lord and
His desires for our lives. In the book of James, he amplifies what
he just said in the last part of James 1:10.
    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. (James 1:11)

REWARDS FOR PERSEVERANCE:
Earlier we looked at perseverance which might raise the question,
“What are our rewards if we endure the trials we face?” Surely
if the Lord is testing our faith and we prove to be faithful, there
must be some type of benefit for our efforts. James says we will
be ‘blessed’. When we are saved, God blesses us by adopting us
as His children. He also gives us stamina and peace to deal with
troubled times. When our attitudes show that regardless of what
is going on, we still love the Lord implicitly, we prove that we
are His children. As children of God we will ultimately be with
Him in eternity and receive the crown of life promised to those
who love Him.
    Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because
    when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of
    life that God has promised to those who love him.
    (James 1:12)

James implies that these blessings and rewards are available to
both the poor and the wealthy (and everyone in between). Yes,
they are available, but according to James they are received
through perseverance and our expression of love for our Lord
and Savior. Through our attitudes and actions we prove our
dependence on the Lord to be there for us, to help us through
our trials. God wants our dependence and not our independence.
When we are independent we are saying that we do not need
the Lord. How ridiculous is that? He provides every breath that
we take and every beat of our heart. Of course He provides even
more than that, but those are two essentials that leave no doubt
that we are dependent on Him.

Unfortunately there are many who believe they accomplish
everything through their own efforts and the use of their own
talents. Those who feel that way should ask themselves,
“From where did I receive my abilities?” God is the One Who
blesses us with whatever abilities we have. In return, we are
expected to use our talents and spiritual gifts to honor Him,
as opposed to pleasing ourselves and wallowing in recognition
and praise from others.