“Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith,
and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him.” (James
2:5)
Let’s put the same words it in a different perspective that
might help clarify what James is saying here. He is speaking of the fact that
if someone comes into our mist dressed well. we have respect for them and give
them the best seat and food in the house. However, if someone comes poorly
dressed we give them the scraps, and let them stand by the kitchen door to eat.
He is speaking here of how we treat the poor, but he might have said in a different
context: Hath not God chosen the rich in
faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him,
who happens to be poor?
Ahh, but doesn’t the scriptures say in several different
places that God will prosper the faithful? Yes, it does, but you have to
realize that when God speaks of prospering he is frequently speaking of a bountiful
harvest of saved souls, of faith, experiences and spiritual knowledge.
One of
my children has had such a difficult financial struggle in their married life. At
different times this child has asked me, “Mom, why doesn’t Heavenly Father
allow us to be rich.” And I respond, “Because he loves you and is protecting
you.” They always give me a puzzled look and say? “What?”
I could have said, because he does not want to rob you of
spiritual experiences. After all if you had everything you needed would you
remember to pray? Would you have endured the hardships that have proven over
and over again correct gospel principles? Judging from the hardships of some the Lord must
love them a lot.
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