Who Am I - I Am Valued Beyond Measure

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. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:9–12 ESV).

 

So many people today are struggling for the right to define themselves. It’s as if they are saying, “I will invent or reinvent myself, and you must accept me for who I choose to be.” But this places immense pressure on people. It also brings on volatility and exhaustion as people try to navigate life together. It is amazing how subtle this deception is. We have come to believe our identity is somehow based on career or position. Some have even come to believe that wealth is the measure of their value. This deception always brings a sense of instability in our lives. It makes us think we are never enough.

 

God recognizes our need for a stable, reliable identity—one that can sustain us amid the ups and downs of life. He also knows we cannot invent the identity we need. So, God made a new life possible for us through Jesus Christ. Jesus willingly gave up his glory, power, and privilege. He came to sacrifice himself on the cross to atone for our sins against God and each other. Through faith in him, we receive his love and righteousness. Our identity is anchored in him rather than in our achievements or others’ opinions of us.

 

James in our reading today urges believers who have prospered and become wealthy to recognize their humble position as sinners saved by grace. And he encourages believers who are struggling financially to embrace their exalted position in Christ—loved, accepted, and cherished by God. By doing these things, we can avoid a false sense of value. We can be secure in Him!