Your gold and silver are corroded. . . . You have hoarded wealth in the last days. (James 5:3)
Expanded Passage: James 5:3
Termites love wood. Paper is made from wood. Cash is often made from paper. It was inevitable that somewhere these three facts would come together with tragic results. In 2011, bank employees of the State Bank of India were horrified when they opened the vault and found that termites had destroyed about ten million rupees (over $200,000). It was a stark reminder that money can easily disappear. But even if our money isn’t eaten by termites, we are reminded daily in the news about money that has disappeared through economic setbacks, bank failures or online scams. So what should we do? We all need money.
We could worry more, but that doesn’t seem like a very good action plan. It stresses us out without addressing the real issue of security. Perhaps we could be more vigilant or tight-fisted. If only we would tighten up our spending habits.
A watchful eye certainly could be helpful, but consider this: What has your money ever done for you? It may have provided for necessities and even a few luxuries. It may have given you joy when you used it to bless others. But it never promised you security. It never said to you, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Jesus said that, and he alone can make that promise.
Pray for God to increase your faith in his promises.
Calvin Wylie is a retired federal employee. He is the son of a Wesleyan pastor and evangelist. Calvin and his wife, Tammy, live in Clemson, South Carolina.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
