James 5
By Pastor Jerry
REAL RICHES
I’m sure that some who read what James has to say to the wealthy would think that it sounded very strange indeed. There are whole theologies built around the idea that God wants his children to prosper. You wonder what James means when he says, “Now listen you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.” There is no virtue in poverty, so what is the danger associated with being successful in life? The problem is not in doing well financially. The issue is in hording what has come your way. James is also reacting to someone who has gained a fortune from the sweat of someone else’s brow. Taking advantage of the poor to pad your bank account is a very dangerous thing to do.
But more than dishonest gain, this passage also concerns a life that lacks a generous spirit. God doesn’t allow his children wealth so that they can live in luxury. He provides his children wealth so that they can be good stewards and provide for the needs of others. Last Sunday night at church we had wonderful missionaries from Ghana. John and Laurie Watton gave up a successful business in Canada to serve the people of West Africa. They were so filled with joy that it was contagious. We can’t all go serve in Ghana, but we can all be part of the support system that they need to teach and lead. I think that John and Laurie are some of the best investments we’ve ever made.
Generosity is its own reward. Some “give” hoping to receive something in return – never realizing that the joy of living generously is priceless. Or, as it says in Proverbs 11:24-25 “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
