Scripture Verses that Caught my Attention today: James 1:9-11 Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, 10 and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.
Observation: Not much hope for those who are rich according to this passage. But that doesn’t stop most from trying to attain the ability to live ‘the good life.’
Application: At church we’re in the middle of a course led by Dave Ramsey (via DVD) entitled “Financial Peace University” (FPU). Thus far it’s been excellent. Tons of really down-to-earth practical advice. Things I wish like crazy that I could have or would have learned years ago. He pretty much believes that most people, if they can be diligent with their savings and disciplined in their spending, accumulate a surprising amount of wealth over time. Of course, first one has to get out of debt! Thankfully he offers some solid plans for how to begin and finish the process of doing so.
To his credit, Dave believes that such wealth can and should be used to help others. He says that the purpose of money is for emergencies, purchases, and to be given away. He also makes clear that money in and of itself will not buy happiness and that, on its own, money is amoral—neither inherently good or bad. Still, that doesn’t stop him from peppering his books and speeches with a host of Biblical quotes about the good and wise things about being rich. Interestingly, passages like James 1:9-11, generally speaking, are notably absent!
I won’t really fault Dave and/or FPU. He actually offers a very helpful corrective to a whole culture that has become enslaved to debt. It’s also refreshing that he nurtures a philanthropic spirit. Good thing—according to passages like James 1:9-11, all rich people will eventually end up philanthropic whether we want to be or not! And ironically, if we’re Godly, we’ll actually be glad about it.
Prayer: Lord, although the author of James seems to have some serious and perhaps even over-the-top hang-ups with rich people, his driving point is still valid—all real hope is ultimately found only in you. Thanks again for that reminder. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(readings today included: James 1-5)
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