reference to wealthy people. The Bible does not state God is dis pleased with people who have money. There are many who are completely bankrupt, and still know nothing of the grace of Cod. The first three verses remind us that there is poverty as well as plenty. This advice is most appro priate in our highly materialistic age. Christian people can easily slip into the same pit-falls. While we may not have great wealth to squander, we can nevertheless en vy those who do. Such should nev er be our practice. As the last chap ter shows there is a great folly in planning without considering God. James gives scatling and proper judgment to those who do not act in a humane manner toward peo ple who are poor. Who are these people whom James calls rich men in verse one. Some think they were wealthy Christians in the assembly who were not using their riches wisely. Others consider them as unbelievers who were accumulat ing their assets at the expense of poor Christians. The lack of the familiar phrase “ my brethren" could indicate the latter is in view. The seventh verse seems to ring the changes as far as my study is concerned. In either case these first six verses do apply to wealthy Christian people as well. How easy it is to be tempted to put our trust in the things of this world. We would selfishly hoard that which we may never need. Here are those who had more than the necessities of life. Stand ards of living have changed dras tically from that first century to the present. Yet, people still have greed, envy and jealousy. I have often thought that it would be nice
spirit of independence and self- confidence. It suggests that we have not appreciated the brevity of life. Failing to do what we know is right is just as sinful as doing what we know is wrong. While James is rather severe the Holy Spirit knew that we needed these important lessons. If we are going to accom plish anything for God what we do must be performed to the glory and honor of Jesus Christ. MISUSE OF MONEY James touches upon many very important and practical subjects. It could well correspond with the Old Testament book of Proverbs. We are shown how to be rich even in the midst of physical and finan cial poverty. In Jesus Christ we have an inheritance about which this world knows absolutely noth ing. James, in chapter five, tells us about the proper usage of money. We should acquire and spend our substance in ways which are pleas ing to the Lord. This is not always easy to do. Have you ever won dered how much money is neces sary to make a man rich? Likewise, how many unpaid bills make a man poor? Earthly possessions are related to four classes of people. There are those who are rich in earthly treasures but poor in heav enly assets. Some people are poor in this world's goods but are very rich spiritually. Thirdly, many peo ple are poor in both heavenly and earthly things. Finally, a few Chris tian people have much of this world's goods being generous to ward the Lord, while also rich in heavenly blessings. Many Christian people tend to dismiss James 5:1-6 from their con sideration. They think it is only a Page 40
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