We will all be in different worldly circumstances, and at various times in our lives may experience different things. Here James talks about being lowly and rich. If we are poor, then we should rejoice in our exalted position in Christ. Even if things are difficult in our life just now, we are still in Christ, and as such have the capacity to have an amazing positive impact on the world.
If we are rich, then we need to recognise that all worldly wealth, whether material, or positional, is transitory. It will pass away. James then uses the analogy of wild flowers. They are beautiful, but this is only a passing beauty. We need to recognise the fickleness of earthly wealth.
Blessed are those who persevere under trial. If we are honest, our natural reaction is usually that we are blessed the sooner we get out of the trial! This is an illusion. If we stand up under the trial then we will receive a crown of life. This is not salvation by works, but if we stand up under trial we will be blessed, our character will develop, we will become more like Christ and will know God better. There is no greater reward. So how do we do this? Well somethings we can do under trial is to pray for others, still pray for people to get saved. Seek out things that we can do to help others.
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