Avoiding money’s pitfalls

For a time in the endWord, we are receiving some spiritual heart surgery as we look at the letter of James. He uncovers some of our more insidious, respectable sins and cautions us from fatally wandering from the truth (James 5:19-20)

It seems that we are always facing a choice as we wander through this life: two pathways – the pathway of Obedience: faith and trust which leads to wisdom, or the pathway of Pride: a wilful double-mindedness that leads to folly and destruction.

Last time we saw James cover Respectable Sin 2 – my wrong attitude towards God in my financial and social standing.

We thought briefly about his rallying call to the poor Christian to rejoice in their high position in God’s eyes. This time we see James’ challenge to the wealthy. We will call it Respectable Sin 2, Part B!

In chapter 1:2-3, James urges his readers to: ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.’

Well, what about the trial of riches, 1:10: ‘But the rich should take pride in their humiliation – since they will pass away like a wildflower.’

It would appear James is saying the trials faced by the rich are harder than poverty. But we don’t believe that, do we!

We think: ‘I’d quite like to have a go at the trial of being rich!’

But, of course, riches are dangerous. The world says money equals security. Life is not so hard when you’ve got dosh.

Money is power – I think it’s fair to say Donald Trump didn’t land the top spot in the US of A because he was an experienced politician or statesman… just saying (note to Editor – this may not be suitable?) [It’s fine! – Ed.]

But money is also lethal because the richer you are the less you will think you need to exercise faith in your God.

James says: You rich people, BEWARE! You need to take pride in your low position. You are not secure without Christ! Your security in this world is not security beyond the grave! Along with you, it will all just get blown away like a fragile flower in the field.

Have you ever picked a wildflower and seen how long it lasts? However beautiful it is, it’s not long before it droops and drops and withers.

There was a vicar taking a millionaire’s funeral. At the wake, someone sidled up to him and whispered: ‘How much did he leave?’ and the vicar whispered back: ‘Everything!’

We Christians are in danger in this green and pleasant land. We are good at talking like God-trusters but, actually, how much of our security is tied up in our worldly wealth? Putting our FAITH firmly in pension schemes, savings, and insurance policies.

I’ve got an ISA. It is my only savings, and its value bounces up and down like a yo-yo on Red Bull – Oooh! I get really cross! That’s my future security, I think. Really?

How much of my time, or if I’m married my spouse’s time, is taken up earning just a bit more to make my life more comfortable, more secure? Or to make me feel more important, afford me more status?

So, James says: Beware! You are in danger! Notice that James does not condemn the wealth of rich Christians. (However, he will have harsh words later in this letter for those who abuse their wealth and power.) The ability of a rich believer to see their own wealth as a fleeting thing, and to boast instead about their place in eternity, and to use their prosperity in an open-handed, generous way is evidence that they are trusting God, that they truly believe God’s topsy-turvy perspective. The things that make a person rich in this world will not last, so we must evaluate our lives by God’s standards, not the world’s. That is true wisdom.