James 5:1-6

James has some very choice words to say about the rich here in this passage. But don't be tricked into thinking "that's not me". Read this carefully and think hard if this applies to you. Make sure that he isn't talking about you.

We live in a time where a lot of us are well off proportionally speaking.

James is talking here about the return of Christ and the judgement to follow. He is confronting the people who were using their resources for themselves. For them, this would be evidence against them. Their assets become liabilities against them.

The proper way to treat your resources is to use them for worship and good. Invest in other people and in the church. Think back to chapter one where he says that not doing something that is right even though you know it is is such a wrong thing to do.

James also targets those who lie and cheat and think they get away with it. They might now, but James knows there is a time when they will pay for that they've done. James is warning us to not do things for ourselves but to be on the mission we have been called for.

Don't water down this passage or make excuses. Focus on the word. God is being very clear what we are to be doing with our resources. The issue here isn't legalistic - there's not a specific line we should draw. Rather the issue is of the heart.