As Americans, we are financially rich. We have more than we need. Remember, money isn’t bad in itself. It’s the love of money that is a root of evil. If you make $25,000/year, you are in the top 3% of wealthiest people in the world. Let that sink in for a minute. Jesus spoke often about money because He understood how much it could cause bondage and false hope in our lives. James also had something to say about how to manage our wealth.

In James 5:1-6, James is addressing a group of landowners that are exploiting those that work the land for them. Here is what James is sharing:

1. Don’t hoard it (v2-3) – hoarding is accumulating more for your own sake.

2. Don’t withhold it (v4) – use honor and integrity as you generously meet the needs of

    those around you.

3. Don’t waste it (v5) – The average American puts $1300/month on a credit card for every

    $1000 they make. Be wise.

Instead:

1. Save – The average American only saves 3% of their income. Compound interest is a

    powerful tool…use it!

2. Give generously – Let God give it through you. Give your “stuff” away.

3. Set up a budget – There is freedom in knowing what you have and what you can spend.

1. Do you feel wealthy? How does the culture impact how you feel about your wealth?

2. When our hope is in riches, we get crippled in thinking we never have enough. What are you storing up? Is it other’s focused? How?

3. What can you set aside as a “give away” budget line in your monthly budget?