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James is chastising the wealthy of the land. It is difficult to imagine that this letter is written to the Christian church because it contains such harsh rebukes. In this episode we look at what James has to say about wealth then, and what eternal truths we can apply to our lives in Dallas today. Wealth stored up or spent flippantly is wealth wasted.

James says it is arrogant to presume upon the future. Doing so assumes some control on our part. He points out that a right perspective comes from understanding that God is the One in control and that He has things prepared for us to take part in. In all things we should acknowledge God so that we have a right perspective in this life; knowing we were created by God, for God.

God calls us to live opposite of the way the world. The way we handle money, time, relationships, authority, and decisions are clear tells of what we value and whether we are living according to the World's wisdom or God's wisdom. But living opposite to the world's wisdom is not all God desires. He has appointed us as ambassadors to a lost world to share this truth.

Everybody wants to be happy! All of us desire prosperity, joy and satisfaction. But many times we are confused by what it means to be truly prosperous and successful. Psalm 1 teaches us that true prosperity and success is knowing God, which comes from delighting in and diligently pursuing Christ. How are we doing at hungering for the Word of God and not feasting on the things of the world, so that we can be fully satisfied by Christ?

Battles are going on all around us. James starts chapter 4 talking about the battle that is within us that causes conflicts around us. Then he moves on to address the battle that we face as Christians living in the world. He makes the bold statement that to be friends with the world we are God's enemies. He tells us, however, that we can overcome these battles with humility and complete surrender to God.