Every person deals with the topic of possessions daily.  Therefore, it’s one of the most relevant topics. Ironically, most people don’t think they have a problem with greed, materialism or coveting. Jesus taught a lot about this subject.  He taught that we cannot serve both God and wealth. If we want to have true contentment, then the statement printed on American currency must be true of us.

In God we trust.

Anything else will fail us. In the two paragraphs for today’s reading from James, he is exposing the emptiness of trusting in wealth. It seems clear that he is addressing unbelievers who are caught in the idolatry of riches. By showing the futility and judgment of this, James is both cautioning Christians from falling into this sin and also keeping them from envying the rich or seeking revenge for oppression they’ve experienced.

1. The pursuit of wealth apart from God is futile. Humans are merely “a mist” that is temporary and we cannot dictate what the future will hold. To make decisions based entirely upon money without consulting God is a recipe for disaster.
2. Trusting in wealth leads to mourning when it’s lost, or corroded. It also corrodes a person’s life and leads to judgment, especially for the unjust means and oppression that is often required to get rich.

The Bible has a positive view of wealth, so total rejection is unnecessary legalism. Likewise, the Bible has many cautions against loving it, so materialism must be rejected. The way to balance these extremes is the spiritual discipline of “Simplicity.”

Taking It Home: Consider both your level of inner simplicity of the heart and your outward practices.  Are you receiving your possessions with a “glad and sincere” heart or are they possessing you?