5:1 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.
- Why would James include this passage in a book to Christians?
- Do you consider yourself rich?
- How much of your energy and thought goes toward your possessions?
(Consider getting, maintaining, enjoying, etc) - How much of your energy and thought goes toward your pleasure?
- When have you mistreated someone in order to make or keep money?
- When have you hurt a relationship over money?
There was obviously some rich Christians among James' readers else he would not have included this. James comments are much like Jesus' in Matthew 6:19-21. This passage comes immediately after he addressed quarrels with others over desired things, warnings about being friends with the world, pride and judging others, and making plans to make money. The lead-in for this passage indicates just how dangerous our wealth can be. One of the major areas of conflict in marriages is money. Worries about money are probably among the most common worries of people in the US. So who is your god? The everlasting God or temporary stuff? That is a lot to think about.
1 comment:
I have been bothered by these NT passages concerning wealth. Sometimes I want to pretend they are not there in the NT. I have come to the conclusion that there seems to be something dishonest in wealth. This does not mean that riches have been obtained dishonestly (although they can be) but instead, money can become an evil influence. People with wealth must realize that evil due to wealth can bring about sin in two areas: 1.)What is done with wealth and 2.) What is not done with wealth. When wealth is used without regard for the Kingdom of God, this then becomes sin. Lately, I wonder what God must think of my self-centered prayers when he knows others are in greater need than myself. Harold, thank you for your well thought out comments.
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