Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower fall, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.

James 1:9-11

Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for the last days. Listen! The wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous one, who does not resist you.

James 5:1-6

How many of us have a love of money and advancement that we are not even aware of? How many of us cheat our families out of time with them, so we can advance? How many of us cheat the Church, getting less involved, with each pay raise and position jump that we receive from God? God can teach us how to downsize. Stop pursuing money, spend less time at work, cut back on purchases, and be content with what you have. Be a family that is faithful to the Lord and active in your Church.

Do not be obsessed with amassing wealth. Whether we are rich or poor, the desire for money can take over our lives. Some believers have fallen into its clutches without even being aware of it, and are fading away in their pursuits. At some point, we have to just say, "Enough!"

He is truly rich

who is satisfied with Jesus.

Our Daily Bread – January 5, 2005