In this final chapter James addresses people in various situations exhorting them to do the right thing.

To begin with he speaks sternly to rich non-Christians who trust in their wealth and act with impunity, warning them they will be judged since they have gained their wealth in an unjust way. We may not enrich ourselves by exploiting the poor, but could there be some application for us, too? Maybe we need to consider the way we live our lives in our modern world and the consumer habits we have. Are the products we buy tainted by exploitative working practices or even slavery? For example, fashion, chocolate, cotton and a myriad of other everyday items we use, including electronics, can have oppressive supply chains, where workers have not been paid their due wages. Does buying products made under such conditions make us complicit in this injustice? God cares a lot about how the poor are treated.

I also wonder if James remembered Jesus’ teaching at this point: “Don’t store up for yourself treasures on earth … But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:19-21). Living in the prosperous West we can sometimes fall into the trap of trusting our bank balance and insurance to see us through life and old age. We have become quite materialistic, but Jesus wants us to share the blessings we have received and live in a way that is just and fair, using our worldly resources to store up treasures in heaven.

James then proceeds to address believers, who were impatient for the future coming of the Lord, especially in the face of suffering. Jesus will come soon; in the meantime, let us live out or faith in the right way, being mindful that our words and actions will be judged. Let’s be patient like the farmer. Let’s not grumble. Let’s praise God and pray for those who are suffering and sick, for those caught in sin. Let’s stay connected to God and each other whatever situation we find ourselves in.

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Questions:

Are we storing up treasures in heaven, i.e. are we serving the Lord Jesus while patiently waiting for His coming by living a righteous and fruitful life? What difference can we make regarding our consumer choices, so others receive a fairer wage?

Prayer:

O Lord, please forgive us where we haven’t served you as wholeheartedly as we should have … (feel free to bring before God the things you know you have not done that you should have done).

Help us to serve you in our generation, doing the right thing and storing up treasure in heaven in Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!