Week 11 - Rich or Poor?

(Read James 5:1-6)

At times I am overwhelmed with how much life costs. I want to host students and friends in my home, but it costs money to buy groceries. I know I’m called to share the Gospel with students in the Triad, but it costs money to put gas in my car so I can get to all the different campuses. I really enjoy buying gifts for people, especially when I see something that just really makes me think of someone in particular. But those gifts cost money. And then there are things that I “have” to have – water, shelter, clothing.

Many aspects of the Christian life are all about living in the midst of a dichotomy. That’s the whole essence of living in this world, but not belonging to this world. As an American Christian, our wealth (or perceived lack thereof) is an additional dichotomy in which we must live. I look at what others have – maybe it’s a certain car or house, or the newest tech gadget – and I feel poor. I feel like I’ve given up wealth in answering the Lord’s call to be a missionary (or a teacher in many of your cases). And then I feel a bit prideful – proud that I’m willing to give things up to follow the Lord.

However, the flip side of this dichotomy comes when I’m exposed to the billions of people in the world who live with much less than I do. I’ve been to areas of the third world where people have 2 outfits only. They wash the one they’re not wearing by hand and wear these outfits for many days in a row. I’ve seen people who don’t have a car or a house, and have never thought about any tech gadgets. Yet, often these very people are the most satisfied in their circumstances and life. Do they worry about money? I can’t say that for sure, but there is something about a lack of money that causes one to be more content with the things in life that will last beyond the moment.

James confronts the rich in these verses. And my gut reaction is to think that doesn’t apply to me. I’m not rich. Or am I?

He confronts businessmen and wealthy landowners. Maybe we can’t identify exactly with these roles, but we can identify with the behaviors of each that he calls out for judgment. James confronts the accumulation of materialistic wealth that he sees going on. He talks about how the wages of those who work the land are being withheld. And James calls out the self-indulgent actions of those to whom he’s writing – saving up gold and silver. James even opens this section by talking about the “miseries” that will come upon the wealthy who place their faith in their wealth.

And I think that is what it all boils down to – where are we placing our faith? In the light of the American dream, I am not rich. However, my wealth must come from knowing Christ and recognizing the riches of things that eternal – His Word and people’s souls.

Questions

In v.4, James mentions the “cries of the harvesters” who haven’t received their dues. Who have you cheated in order to fund your lifestyle?

Why do we tend to love money, regardless of how much, or little, we have?

One interpretation of “righteous person” in v.6 is those who are one of God’s forgiven people (i.e. believers). This train of thought led me to the focus on where we are placing our faith. Would you agree with this take on a “righteous person”? If not, what is your understanding of this verse?

Written by Michelle