The Test of Wealth: Where Is Your True Security?

We live in a world that measures success by wealth, status, and possessions. Society tells us that having more leads to security, happiness, and influence. But James presents a radically different perspective: rich or poor, our true hope is in Christ, not in our circumstances. The test of wealth determines where your true security lies.

In today’s passage, James challenges the lowly and the wealthy to see themselves through God’s eyes. Those who are poor are exalted in Christ, while the rich must remember that their wealth is temporary. No matter our financial status, the real test is this: Where do we place our confidence—our money or our Messiah?

“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 (ESV)

True worth is not found in wealth or status but in our identity in Christ.

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James presents two seemingly paradoxical ideas:

• The lowly brother—the poor—is encouraged to boast in his exaltation. This means that, although he may lack material wealth, he is rich in Christ. His worth is not defined by worldly standards but by his eternal inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
• The rich person—someone who has financial success—is reminded to boast in his humiliation. Why? Because earthly riches are temporary. James compares wealth to a fading flower—beautiful for a moment but quickly withered under the sun’s scorching heat.

The world exalts the rich and overlooks the poor. But God sees things differently. Those who are poor in the world’s eyes are rich in faith (James 2:5). Those who rely on their riches are in a precarious position because wealth is fleeting and cannot provide eternal security.

This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to have wealth—many godly people in the Bible were rich (Abraham, Joseph, Job). But James reminds us that wealth is a test:

• Will we trust in riches or God?
• Will we use wealth to serve ourselves or to serve others?
• Will we define our identity through our bank account or relationship with Christ?

Our true value is found in Jesus alone, regardless of our financial situation.

• If you are struggling financially, remember that your worth is not in what you own but in who owns you—Jesus Christ. Take comfort in knowing God exalts the humble and provides for His children.
• If you have financial security: Ask yourself, Am I relying on my wealth for security? Am I using what God has given me to bless others? Surrender your finances to God and let Him guide your stewardship.
• Live with eternity in mind. Everything in this world will fade. Invest in what lasts—God’s Kingdom.

“The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.”
—William James

How has your faith shaped your perspective on wealth and security? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that my worth is not found in wealth but in Christ. Help me to trust in You above all else, whether in seasons of abundance or financial struggle. Keep me from placing my security in temporary things and instead fix my eyes on eternal treasures. May I be a faithful steward of all You have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Blessings,

Chad 

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