A friend asked me to explain James 5:1-5 in this day of wealth and affluence. It says: “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. This corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your field are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on the earth in luxury and self-indulgence, you have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.”
Unemployment has nearly disappeared in this area. The rich almost never have opportunity to feel guilty about living splendidly.
Yet, God is not impressed. Sumptuous houses of worship, richly appointed, that far outclass the public arenas now dot the landscape. The brand of automobiles and pickup trucks in the church parking lot seem to say “the poor Christians have been blessed.” (The Beatitudes) Even the clothing of the participants smack of worldly success. Giving 10 percent is a mere drop in the bucket and can be written off on the tax form.
If wealth is a sign of blessing, why does the deacon during the Offertory prayer always ask God to bless our “little offering”? Why don’t we give lavish, outlandish offerings to match our lifestyle?
Is it time for us to remove this section from the Bible? Or time to take it seriously?
Jesus was definitely more concerned about how many treasures we were laying up in heaven than how much money was left when we died. (Matthew 6:19)
The Bible definitely says it will be hard for “the rich” to get into heaven. (Matthew 19:24)
By the way, how do YOU explain James 5:1-5?
“In spite of being created in Your image, Dear God, we have this
strong tendency to selfishness. Please free us from things. Amen”
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