Read: James 5: 1-6
Today’s passage is
written specifically to those who are living comfortably. Those who struggle making ends meet can also learn
some important lessons here. Our culture
values wealth but forgets that it can create problems. Too many people falsely think that an
increase in finances will solve their problems.
James warns us that wealth can actually bring more problems. In this passage James is speaking out against
those who exploit the poor and is warning them of coming judgment. Wealth can be a dangerous trap that leads to
eternal destruction. We know that money
itself is not evil; in fact, it can be extremely useful for growing God’s
kingdom. Whether money corrupts or
brings heavenly rewards has to do with the heart of the one managing it, no
matter whether he/she is rich or poor. Nothing
tests the character of people like how they use their finances.
There are a few things
that we need to consider from this passage. First, we are accountable for how
we earn our wealth. Are we good workers
or do we spend hours fooling around on the job?
Are we being truthful on our timesheets?
Do we cheat or tell little white lies to make the sale?
Second, what is our
primary motivation in life – pursuing wealth or relationship with God? Take a look at how you allocate your
time. Are you a workaholic to the
neglect of your spiritual and family responsibilities? What priorities are you modeling to your
family? What are you teaching your kids
through your lifestyle?
Third, we must be careful
to manage our wealth according to biblical principles. Overspending, being a tightwad, failing to
budget, stealing or cheating others, paying unfair wages and ignoring those who
are in need are all signs that there is something wrong with our attitudes
towards money.
Finally, we are to be
careful in the area of self-indulgence (v. 5).
Self-indulgence is when we throw off restraint and discipline and yield
to the desires of selfish appetites and cravings. But it can also just be when we allow ourselves
to have or do things we enjoy very much but which are not essential. For example, food, sex, vacations,
toys/hobbies, even friendships can all be self-indulgent. We must be careful not to judge others but
rather examine ourselves prayerfully and often so that we don’t fall into this
trap.
We must be careful to use
our wealth not to indulge ourselves but rather to build into God’s
kingdom. It is the responsibility of
each believer to be faithful to God through financial stewardship. Those who trust in the Lord and who are
living for eternity will be good stewards of the money and possessions that God
entrusts to them. God owns it all and we
will give an account to Him of how we have used our resources. Wealth can be gone in the blink of an eye
therefore use your wealth to bring people to Christ. If you want God to entrust you with spiritual
riches in eternity then prove yourself to be faithful in managing your finances
here on earth.
Prayer and Journaling
1. Ask the Lord to show you 5-10 of the ways that He has blessed
you materially. Thank Him for His
goodness and generosity.
2. Self-indulgence is when we throw off restraint and discipline
and yield to the desires of selfish appetites and cravings. But it can also just be when we allow ourselves
to have or do things we enjoy very much but which are not essential. Ask the Lord to show you an area in your life
where you struggle with self-indulgence.
What does Jesus want to say to you about your heart concerning this area
of self-indulgence? Confess sin as
necessary.
3. Pray that we would grow in using our resources wisely, not to
indulge ourselves, but to build into God’s kingdom. Pray that believers would grow in being
faithful to God through financial stewardship.
