James 1:9-11

Dear Brethren,

There is nothing more important than money, or so some people would think. Quite often the possession of wealth or at least the appearance of wealth is very important to many people. However, in pursuing wealth, many people often neglect greater treasures such as family, friends, health, and of course, God. Although the Bible teaches the concept of working and earning money, it also teaches the concept of seeking first the kingdom of God. The Bible never condemns wealth; it condemns the love of wealth.

The problem with putting too much stock in wealth is the short term nature of wealth. Wealth will be with a person only a short time. I realize that in the hands of frugally minded people, wealth can grow; however, when that person dies, he will leave his wealth to someone else. As a result, wisdom demands that people focus on those concerns of greater importance. The greater of these concerns should be service to God. Such service requires a person to humble himself before God. This spirit of humility will enable the person to put God first within his life.

Here is James 1:9-11 presented for your consideration.

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,
10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.
11 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.

In Love,

John Duvall