James 5:6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
James’ condemnation of the rich reaches a high point in this verse. Mistreating the poor can rise to the point of being compared to murder. This is a difficult idea to consider. The logic is not so difficult, however. By neglecting those in need by spending money on our own satisfaction and desires is just as bad as killing someone. The world is full of corruption, especially by those in powerful positions. I hear about this problem in the politics of the countries I visit. It is a common problem for anyone at any level. The amount does not matter. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” As we grow in wealth, power, or position, at any level, we must be careful to use these things for God’s glory and to help other people. The blessings God gives us should be used to help other people, not to satisfy selfish desires which will lead to sin and eventual condemnation. Wealth is a relative idea. Wealth is the extra we have beyond basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. One can be in “poverty” from the world’s perspective and still misuse what God has given us.
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