James 1:9-12- Trials: The Equalizer Of Men

So far in our study though the book of James we have been learning about the correct response to trials.  We have seen the necessity of a joyful attitude and that this kind of attitude is possible because we have confidence in God.  We understand that He is in control and that if we respond correctly, the trial we are facing can be used to produce endurance in the life of a Christian.   We have also seen that it is necessary for the Christian to respond with understanding.  If we are having difficulty responding correctly, we should ask God for wisdom in faith and without doubt.

The next several verses in chapter 1 mention the rich and the poor.  At first glance these verses may appear to be a change in topic, but in reality it is a continuation of the theme of trials.  We know this because verse 12, which concludes this paragraph, also deals with trials.  So the question we have to ask is this: ‘How does the topic of the rich and the poor fit into the topic of trials?’ 

Trials affect everyone; the rich the poor, those with big houses and those with small houses, those with vast amount of resources and those with none.  Everyone deals with sickness, disappointment, and death.  Trials and difficulties are the great equalizer of people.  The rich are not immune from suffering, and the poor don’t get a free pass on the basis of their poverty.  Trials many times serve as a tool of God to drive people to Himself, and we each are responsible for how we respond to the difficulties of life regardless of our economic circumstances.  When the poor person loses a family member to death or faces a terrible sickness, the correct response should be to turn to God.  When the rich person goes through the same situation his response should also be to turn to God.

Trials put us all on an equal playing field and demand a response.  We each have the responsibility to turn to God, regardless of our  financial situation.