IT IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS
The caterpillar is a picture of activity and purpose as it chomps on the leaves incessantly. However one day, it stops doing its thing, curls up into a cocoon, becoming as though lifeless. To those not familiar with metamorphosis, it appears as though the caterpillar has lost its vigor and its strength and is well on its way to an eventual death. However it is not what it seems, for a few days later the cocoon bursts forth with life and a beautiful butterfly emerges out. The colorful caterpillar becomes an even more colorful butterfly. The active caterpillar that was limited to crawling now can fly. The humble caterpillar has become the might butterfly.
In James we read,
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their low position—since they will pass away like a wild flower. (James 1:9,10)
It is not what is seems. The one who goes through humble circumstances should rejoice, because God is allowing trials to work in his life to make him better. So the one who is going through difficulty and through trials, working his way through a poverty of comfort is in a high position, as God leads him to further maturity through trial. The world certainly does not look at people in that manner. But God leads his people through trying circumstances to test them and helps them increase in perseverance and character.
Likewise, one who has abundance in his life is not necessarily in a high position though it certainly appears that way while living in this world. And when a rich person understands the fact that his abundance perhaps impedes further spiritual maturity, he can truly take pride in his low position before God. Further, as he dwells on his low position, he can use his God given abundance in accordance with God’s will, to accomplish God’s purposes.
So whether rich or poor, when believers understand their position and their value before God, they can take pride in what God has arranged for them. Being rich or having abundance does not make you better, being poor or going through trials, does not make you worse. In fact before God’s eyes, it might be the opposite because God’s ultimate goal for man is to bring him to spiritual maturity. There needs to be no desperate prayers on behalf of believers to get rich, rather a serene acceptance of what God has arranged for their lives- be it abundance of riches or of trials.
It is not what it seems, but becoming aware of that is only possible when our eyes are opened to the spiritual reality and to the eternal life to follow.
