April 22, James 5:1-3

Is it wrong to be rich? No. Many Bible characters, such as Abraham and King David were rich. However, it is wrong to be greedy for riches and to rely on one’s riches. Then selfishness would result. In cases like that, misery will come upon such people.

What may happen to their possessions? Find the answers from today’s text and fill in the blanks:
• All their wealth will __________.
• All their expensive clothes will be eaten up by __________.
• All their gold and silver will __________.
• Their flesh will __________.

In Bible times, a rich young ruler met Jesus and asked how to have eternal life. When Jesus told him to give his money to the poor, he went away with sorrow. He had great possessions and did not want to give them away. To him, his wealth was more important than his salvation. Jesus then explained it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. What does this mean? It is impossible for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle, and so it is impossible for a rich man to enter heaven, unless he turns away from his greed and selfishness to follow God. Man tends to love money and is likely to long for more money. By doing so, he neglects to obey God’s word. It would be difficult for him to truly know God and to enter heaven.

Thought: Never be greedy for money.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for being selfish sometimes. Help me to have the right priorities and to understand that these earthly things are not important. And if I’m blessed with enough pocket money, help me to be generous (pray for how you will be generous). In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.