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Warning About Riches
Warning About Riches
I remember Bro. Hailey talking about this section in a class some years ago. He broke it down into three parts: 1) those who want to be rich (4:1-12), those trying to be rich (4:13-17), and those who were rich and doing anything they could to keep their riches (5:1-6). That has served me well in my thinking on this book over the years.
There is a unifying problem with all three groups: the love of money. It is undeniable that worldly goods make life in this world easier. Yet, in another way, it makes living GODLY in this present world more difficult. Jesus said so (Matt. 19:23). James has observed much of the teaching of Jesus and is now teaching disciples “all things that were commanded” (see Matt. 28:18-20). Part of these things commanded involved disciples outlook and attitude towards worldly goods.
1. The more ‘stuff’ we have, the more difficult it will be to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus illustrated this with the rich young ruler. James illustrates this with those who would commit fraud in order to keep what they had obtained in this world.
2. At the very least, worldly goods tend to make us leave God out of our thinking. Jesus illustrated this with the story of the rich fool. James writes of those who would make plans without including God’s providence.
3. Money is to be considered a stewardship. It is for us to USE for God and good. Jesus illustrated this in several parables such as the parable of the talents and the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
4. You can NOT love God and mammon. Jesus said this (Matt. 6:24; in fact, it would be good to reread that whole chapter!). James shows this in all three groups as they turn their hearts from God and pursue the riches of this world.
The amazing thing to me is that, even though we know and acknowledge Jesus' teaching about worldly possessions, we continually seem to want to prove him wrong. At least in so far as 'we' are concerned. We readily admit it applies to others, just that 'we' are different. We are ready to learn to be content in ‘plenty', but are reluctant to learn this in ‘want’ (cp. Phil. 4:11-12).
"Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9 lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God" (Prov. 30:8-9). Can we really pray such a prayer?
Hugh DeLong
