Greater Profit

James 1:9-12

There is a perception by many that riches are proof of God’s blessings and that poverty is evidence of his rejection. There are many who believe that if we do things properly, God is obligated to make us wealthy. I Timothy 6:5 describes some such false teachers and advises that they love the philosophies of “… men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

In Luke 12;15, Jesus Made it very clear that life, and happiness are not about possessions. “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” He then went on to present an illustration of what he meant in verses 16-20. “And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”

No amount of riches will prevent our death, despite efforts to do so by unethical doctors using life support systems or charletons offering cryogenics as possible substitute. Luke 12:21 warns that the result is no different. “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” I Timothy 6:7 states. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” A person may have his belongings buried with him, like the Egyptian pharaohs. King Tut’s riches are enjoyed by millions of observers, but he doesn’t benefit. A godly and contented life is far better than a lot of belongings according to I Timothy 6:6. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

The philosophy that riches were proof of God’s blessings was prevalent among the Jews, and hampered the spiritual life of many. Matthew 13:22 warns, “…and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” This prompted James to address the problem.


“Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.” (James 1:9-11)

Whether rich, or poor, I Timothy 6:8 instructs, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” We need to make a choice to be content with what we have. Failure to make such a choice exposes us to serious danger as I Timothy 6:9 warns. “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

People fall into this temptation because they are more concerned about themselves than they are about God. Philippians 2:21 states, “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.” Unfortunately, what ever one attains in this pursuit is all that there will ever be. “But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation,” (Luke 6:24). When this life ends, there won’t be any more.

Paul instructed Timothy, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (I Timothy 6:17-19)

Neither riches, nor the lack of them makes one more or less spiritual or better, and the riches are of limited power and duration. Concentrating on the things of God instead will produce more and better profit. It is eternal.