James 1:

9 Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation,

10 but let the rich person boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower in the field.

11 For the sun rises and together with the scorching wind dries up the grass; its flowers fall off; and its beautiful appearance parishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities.  

James addresses poor vs. rich several times in his book. James sees the believer of “humble circumstances” as one who has a high position. Not in this world, but in God’s Kingdom. In his need he learns to depend on Jehovah Jireh (God his provider). He is not so easily distracted by the things of this world that he simply can’t afford. His life is basic and humble. He is learning, every day, to trust God.

The rich man, however, is often distracted by this world and the things and activities it offers, and his loyalties are divided. All of the activities and “stuff” in this world that he is focused on will fade, diminish, or die. This does not mean, however, that those who are financially well off can’t have a good relationship with God. On the contrary, there are many who have proven that wealth and faith can walk together.

The world can’t compare to God and His Kingdom. We are here to love and live for God. “…’Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-38)

There’s no doubt, this world makes it very hard to stay focused on God. It screams for our attention. Visually and audibly we are inundated with the noise of the world. Now that we have smart phones, we are even more distracted. We have a source that is constantly demanding our attention and, in most cases, is always with us. We couldn’t hear God if He had a megaphone to our ear. It is stealing our peace.

In the past few years, I have been trying to have time without noise. I have times when I do my work around the house without anything filling the house with noise and the only sounds I hear are those of my work being done. Interestingly, many YouTubers offer videos of people working with only the sounds of the work they are doing. No music. No talking. Just the sounds. …and those videos are hits!! Our souls long for peace.