James 5:1-6 The Right Use Of Wealth

My commentary said the fifth mark of a mature Christian is that “he is prayerful in troubles.  Instead of giving up when trouble comes, the mature believer turns to God in prayer and seeks divine help.”  In what I read after that, it would seem that the illustration James uses were workers crying out to God about withheld wages.

“James did not say it was a sin to be rich … James was concerned about the selfishness of the rich and advised them to weep and howl.”  There were three reasons he cited:

The way they GOT their wealth, by holding back the wages of their workers or cheating them in court.

The way they USED their wealth, storing it up when it was owed to workers, “Failing to use what God has made us stewards over for the good of others and the glory of God,” and living in luxury, which is self-indulgence.

What their riches will do – Riches will vanish through decay, taxation, and market fluctuations.  Misused riches will erode character.  Also, “Christians will stand before Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ, where He will judge not our sins (because they have already been judged on the cross), but our works and our ministry.  If we have been faithful in serving and glorifying Him, we will receive a reward; if we have been unfaithful, we will lose our reward but not our salvation.”

“James did not condemn riches or rich people; he condemned the wrong use of riches and rich people who use their wealth as a weapon and not as a tool with which to build … What we keep, we lose.  What we give to God, we keep, and He adds interest to it.”

My commentary also mentioned a preacher who quoted Proverbs 19:17 for an annual charity sermon:  “He that has pity upon the poor lends to the Lord; and that we he lends, God will pay him again.”  The preacher then finished with, “If you like the terms, then put Your money down.”

Father, continue to show me how You want me to share the resources You have given me as a steward.  Help me to be wise in how I help others.  Let me know the joy of being an answer to prayer.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford