Riches Do Not Eliminate Miseries - 05/12/2024

Often the wealthy consider that their riches and assets will keep them from the miseries of this life. James advises his readers that this idea is incorrect. Riches will not prevent us from encountering miseries (James 5:1-3).

James says their “riches have rotted” and their “garments have become moth-eaten.” In other words, they have no value. They are not helpful when it comes to dealing with miseries.

James goes on to say, “Your gold and your silver have rusted,” meaning their money is worn out. It will not help them with life’s miseries.

We must be reminded that miseries will come upon all people of every economic status. It is a part of life that we cannot escape. Misery is not partial. It does not discriminate. It will happen to everyone.

An interesting comment James makes is, “It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!” He seems to be indicating that acquiring their riches, gold, silver, and fine garments has been their focus, and James wants to draw attention to this mindset. He wants them to consider that their focus should not be upon their wealth, but rather upon the spiritual things.

It must be acknowledged that in our life here on earth we need to be concerned about our wealth. We do need to accumulate wealth for the proverbial “rainy day.” However, this should not be the focal point of our life. It should not be top priority.

Instead of “storing up treasures” here on earth, we need to be storing up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). James may be recalling something he heard his step-brother say in one of His sermons. We should be putting things in the “Heavenly bank.” Our energy should be upon accumulating “spiritual wealth.”

It is very hard to keep this concept ever before us because of all the daily activities and stress put upon our lives. We are not unique in this perspective. We are not the first ones to have this issue in life and definitely won’t be the last. It has been a constant struggle throughout man’s history.

As we consider our own lives, it would be to our advantage to regularly ask the question, which treasure am I focusing on? Which is most important to me? Which will help me to go to Heaven?

James is not condemning the accumulation of wealth. He is saying that the accumulation of wealth should not be our focus in life. He reminds us that our riches will not eliminate the miseries we encounter in life. He wants Christians to focus on “storing up a spiritual treasure” as they are daily living God’s way. - cgm

Scriptural quotations from the NASB1995.