Reading: James 5:1-6
Speaker: Tommy Pratt
Thoughts on Wise Living
The love of money is the root of all evil. On this, Scripture is clear. But where is the line when it comes to wealth? I have been asking this question a lot lately.
How much should we spend on ourselves and our families as Christians? What should we spend on “non-essentials”? For that matter, what is “non-essential”? A bigger car or a TV with 20 extra inches could be called “non-essential” but how about a nice plush carpet, or made-to-measure blinds, or a glass of wine with dinner when water would do?
With no solid answer, I lean on conscience and seek examples in the Word, but then I write another cheque or get a Belgium bun at Glenmore and I remember Christ’s itinerant ministry. I think of the man who tried to follow Jesus, only to be told that “foxes have dens, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head” (Matt. 8:20). Then I think of my nice new home and memory foam pillow and wonder about our wealth and where we choose to spend our money.
At this point in studying James, three words occur to me every time I return to his epistle: Application, Application, Application. I read James and am left thinking: “How should this apply to my life?” There is a strong air of Obadiah about James’ warning to the rich in chapter 5. His pronouncement of doom against oppressive landowners is so sure that he writes as if it has already happened. Obadiah uses this same, unsettling technique when he delivers judgment on the proud Edomites.
Just as Edom of old grew arrogant due to their mountainous and well-defended land, many landlords in James’ day felt so blessed with wealth that they did not hesitate to crush poverty-stricken Christians underfoot. Their crimes are laid out with the fiery tone we expect from Old Testament prophets, with James declaring: “Your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire” (James 5:2-3).
These are not small warnings. This is fire and brimstone talk. What really grips me are James’ next words: “You have laid up treasure in the last days” (James 5:3). For the brother of our Lord, Jesus’ return was both real and imminent. For James, Christ’s return was meant to effect his (and our) conduct as Christians. In these last days, as we await our Lord from heaven and live out the gospel, we may not condemn or kill those who resist us, but are we busy satisfying every earthly desire (James 5:5)?
I will hear James’ warning against greed and over-consumption the next time I chase the next indulgence or home luxury. Often I will fail. I will prioritise comfort over charity. But in those times I will remember my compassionate high priest, give thanks, and pray that He steer my instincts as I walk this narrow path.
I think for the younger generation it is more difficult as they have lived in our wealth society all their life. We older people have lived in harder times. I never had a washing machine for years. Had to save up before we bought any thing and had to be very careful with our money. Coming out of the war there were ration books. It was a different time. Now many can have what they want on credit straight away. When James was written many would have been very poor. Life is changing for us all now and we have to understand the scriptures through the roots of our faith. Bless you for what you are doing.