Day 206/260: Read James 1

Throughout the Scriptures, we are warned of the dangers of riches. No, it is not a sin to be blessed with wealth; however, when we begin to rely upon wealth, or fail to recognize the source of wealth, then we can get ourselves into trouble.

James writes, “Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.”

Our focus should not be on the things of this life. Certainly, money is needed to take care of ourselves and our families; bills still need to be paid. But man must not trust in wealth, and must not neglect the fact that such blessings come from God (James 1:17).

Remember the words of Jesus Himself, who said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

If our focus is only on the things of this lifetime, what happens when we die? Study and learn from Jesus’ parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21. His words are eternally important.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

James 1:22. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Pray

Pray for a clearer focus on eternity, and an understanding about the temporal nature of worldly riches.