Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of Him to whom you belong? If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. James 2:5-9
“What James has to say in this passage may be stated succinctly as: “Riches are worthless in the face of death and judgment.” This truth has contemporary relevance, especially in a country like India, where we have a minuscule minority of people who are very wealthy, and a vast majority of people who are impoverished. But a careful consideration of what James says indicates that the problem is not with wealth in itself, but with the attitude of people in possession or lack of wealth.
Wealth leads the wealthy to arrogance, pride, ruthlessness, and to have faith in themselves instead of God; it works against their citizenship in God’s kingdom. Wealth can lead a poor person to envy, sycophancy, and obsequiousness. It is not, however, wealth that is the problem; rather, ti is the rich person’s attachment to it and the poor person’s lust for it, a confidence in it rather than in God, and a rich person’s self-exultation above the concerns of the poor.”
Brian C. Wintle in James: An Exegetical and Contextual Commentary (India Commentary on the New Testament; Minneapolis: Fortress, 2020) 35.
This statement from a professor who is writing from North India rings true globally. The problem is not wealth, but rather, the attitude of people toward wealth. It leads us to the sin of favoritism rather than faithfulness in our treatment of others.
We must ask ourselves some tough questions. Do we working to gain advantage over others in our dealings or to serve them and care for their needs ahead of our own? Do we act proudly? Are we living dependent on God and showing love to our neighbor?
In America we are approaching a season of spending. If you are reading these posts daily, you will notice I’ve been inviting people to give to GTP regional efforts around the world. If you have been blessed, consider making a gift to build up others.
Thanks to all those who have made one or more gifts!
Today I want encourage your support of the South Asia campaign which includes India. The funds will be used to help kickstart efforts in Nepal. I was just speaking with the CEO of Bibles for the World yesterday who aims to assist us there.
God has used His Word to raise up believers in difficult places who need stewardship instruction and help to set up ministry standards. Support this effort in South Asia or any other region in the world during this season of spending.
As of today we are 25 days into the 60 day campaign to help build regional capacity around the world. To support a region, click here. By God’s grace we have received $20,576 toward the goal of $50,000. Give according to your ability as God leads.
Let us together resolve to be rich in faith and generosity.