Read: James 1:9-15

For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. (v. 11)

I live in Arizona where we have magnificent displays of wildflowers in the spring. Some of the most beautiful flowers are found on the spinystar cactus. Spinystars are small; only six inches tall and hard to see amid the surrounding grass. That is, except for one day each summer. On one day, all of the spinystars bloom at the same time, and the desert is dotted with spectacular flowers! The spinystar blossoms are hot pink with bright yellow centers, and fully two inches across! Yet, their beauty only lasts for a single day.

James reminds us that our lives are fleeting too. We are like cactus blossoms in the desert. James also reminds us that no matter what our economic situation is, all human beings face the same troubles and temptations. When trials come, we must see them for what they are—universal. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). How we deal with our trials—whether with humility and prayer, or with temptation and sin—is a test of our faith.

Whether we are rich or poor, proud or humble; we must remember that our worth is not found in stock portfolios, physical beauty, or how many Twitter followers we have. Our worth is only found in Christ Jesus!

Prayer:

Holy God, help us remember that our lives are fleeting, and our value is found only in you.

Author: Susan Hetrick

https://woh.org/