The love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. Many of the first century Christians suffered at the hands of the affluent of societies as they used their political and judicial power to exploit the poor and needy, which James highlights earlier in his epistle (Jam 2:6). While much of his writings (thus far) has been directed at the church, he now turns his attention to rich people who have arrogantly disregarded God and his Word. The Bible has much to say about the stewardship and distribution of God’s provisions in the earth that he intended to be used for the care of all mankind. Here are some example worthy of reflection as we explore this topic:
- All resources belong to God. Though a person can be blessed in God’s providential will to have more than others, he is merely a steward of that which is given, not owner in the light of God’s sovereignty over all creation, for David declares, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Ps 24:1).
- Wealth is not inherently evil, if it is used for the glory of God. We have many examples in the Bible of those who used wealth they were given to honor God by caring for those in their charge such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Lot, and Boaz just to name a few. Additionally, Job was very wealthy and was quick to recognize what he acquired in his earthly life was from God who had authority to do with it what he pleased, thus when all his riches was taken from him in a season of testing his faith, Job declares, “…Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
- A love for wealth has a destructive end as it will lead a person down the broad road called “Apostasy Highway.” Apostle Paul warned a young Pastor named Timothy, “For those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. (10) For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs [sorrows]” (1 Tim 6:9-10).
Now that we have briefly explored a Biblical foundation on this issue, James further expounds on the dangers of a type of stewardship of wealth that does not accord with the Word of God. He warns of God’s judgement and value He places on earthly riches. James exhorts:
Divine judgement is coming, by which there is no escape. He warns them that extraordinary pain and agony is coming upon them as they live a life that promises no hope, therefore they should “weep and howl”. In other words, there will be a time where no opportunity to repent will be available to them, and all will be left is endless grief into eternity, thus, “…weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.”
Hoarding of wealth will decay and be considered worthless. God has supplied enough in the earth for all to be provided for. In doing so, it is a reflection of his goodness to all mankind regardless of status (cf. Acts 17:25). With proper distribution of God’s provisions, no one needs go hungry or be poorly clothe. Unfortunately, due to the sin nature of men, we do not operate in accordance with God’s design, for Solomon even observes, “The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice” (Prv 13:23). The stockpiling of wealth serves no meaningful purposes in the eyes of God and is as useless as metals that corrode, thus James warns them, “Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. (3) Your gold and silver have corroded…”
James exhortations are helpful reminders that we should live our lives in light of coming judgement. For such wealthy people, what they have stored up in the earth will be the very thing that testifies against them unto condemnation, thus he continues “….their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasures in the last days” (v3). What is the Christian to learn from his warnings? The key is this: It is not about whether a person has much or little. It is about what you do with the allotment God gives you as it relates to his His glory (e.g., Mt 25:14-30). When we faithfully provide for those under our care, and give generously to the mission of God’s church (2 Cor 9:6-15), this pleases God as it models his heart towards humanity.
Remember, all we have and are belongs to God. You are I truly own nothing, but we are stewards of God’s goodness and provision in the earth. To obey God out of love is the highest satisfaction in life, not stuff. Wealth and fame do not bring fulfillment, but rather sorrows and woes. It all boils down to who do you trust more? Our Provider, or his provision? Let us look to God for true treasures stored up for us in heaven, by which moth and rust cannot destroy and thieves cannot steal. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com