Your value must be seen from the perspective of God and not of this world. How easy it is to fall into the temptation that our worth is based on material possessions or popularity.
James refers to the rich several times in his letter. It is difficult to determine whether these are believers within the community and he is addressing the behaviour of the poor and the rich together or whether the rich are the unbelievers oppressing the poor of the church. I am sure there are many who have a better viewpoint on that. I don’t think it matters too much but I am just noting it.
“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” (James 1 v 9-11)
James tells us that our bank balances can impact our spiritual perspective negatively. The poor can complain, become bitter and miss what God offers them. The rich can get their worth from what they hold and they miss the fact that what is in their hands is temporary, it can fade away even when they live but definitely when they die.
When I am with the Christian poor in every nation of the world I am always drawn to the thought that of all the stages of the world where God could be, He is here the most. He is here with the broken, the bruised and the forgotten, the poor. He is not here in weakness but with power, glory and great joy. There is a richness that I have never experienced and have longed for all my life. Better a poor man who can see heaven open than a rich man whose worldview is the earth. James reminds them not to hold their head in shame but recognise that they have a high position in the economy of God and in the community of the Church.
In contrast whereas the poor should lift their head, the rich should bring their head down from any lofty position to realise that it is not what is in their hands that counts but who is in their life. You will know several Christian rich people who God uses to bless the poor. And you are most probably one of them! You might not call yourself rich in comparison to others but you give to the Church and to missions, charities and people in need. You do not glory in your possessions and your money. You know every earthly thing that you have is fading away. You know if there is any arrogance because of your prosperity it will be exposed and humiliated by it not lasting just like a flower in the garden. You know it is never about how much you have or how little you have. It is seeing this world through the perspective of God.
Missions Paul 