Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. (James 5:1)
JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER, an American industrialist and philanthropist, became the world’s richest man and the first American worth more than a billion dollars. At one time he was involved in a complicated business deal and complained that he could not sleep. He said, “All the fortune I have made has not served to compensate me for the anxiety of that period.”
Having an abundance of money gives a person the ability to buy cars, yachts, expensive clothes and furniture—whatever a person may want. But there is a downside: having wealth adds to our stress. And there are limits to what money can do. It can’t give peace of mind. Money can’t heal a sick body or fix relationships. Money can’t satisfy our deepest longings.
We need money to live. Missionaries need money to spread the gospel. Churches need money to keep the lights on. But managing a large bank account brings great responsibility. The weeping and wailing this Scripture refers to is the toll riches take upon the wealthy person physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Whether we have a lot of money or just enough to get by, it is meant to be shared and used for good purposes. Our riches will be useless when we die or when Jesus comes back. Now is the time to use our money to help others.
Ask God to direct you to someone you may help financially.
Jewell Johnson is a Bible teacher, a wife, and mother of six children, grandmother to nine. She enjoys walking, reading, and quilting.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
