Riches are not the Problem

A quick read of James and you would being rich is one of the worst things you could be.  But that would be a misreading.  It's not riches that are the problem.  It is the people we become when we have them.

Notice James 5:

James 5:1–6 (ESV) Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.

The rich people James speaks of have failed to steward the gracious amounts entrusted to them by their Creator.  Consequently, they have exploited their workers, stock-piled enormous savings, treated themselves to the best life possible and unjustly murdered the innocent.  

Why?  Why do people with money tend to act so maliciously?  

Simple reason. They forget who's God.  There is a story I read in one of Tim Keller's books about Hollywood actors who made it "big".  How amicable they were on the way up but how intolerable they became once they got to the "top".  I remember watching an interview with a very famous actor on Television.  His disconnection with reality was almost unbearable.

I think about the allure of wealth.  What makes it so attractive?  Is it not worrying about retirement? The ability to care for our children and grandchildren incredibly? Having the best vacations or most incredible homes?  Perhaps it's mostly the feeling of power and self-sufficiency?

Why do we place so high a value on self sufficiency?  We weren't made for it.  Adam had a perfect environment and God said, "This alone thing is not good for man."  So came woman. 

Riches aren't for YOU.  They were given to YOU for others.  We are made FOR each other.  Wealth can cause us to forget that and become the thing we live for.  

Lost in this discussion is the fact that James includes this section aimed at self-condemned rich people in a letter written to suffering saints.  Perhaps it is to remind the saints that they have nothing to be jealous about.  The Lord is watching you and THEM.  And He will reward the faithful.

PRAYER:

Father, help me to remember, my life is not about me.  My stuff is not for me.  My money is not mine and its not for me.  I'm entrusted.  I don't own, I manage.  And it all belongs to you.  Help me value people over things every time.  Especially those who need it most.  I ask in Jesus Name.