THE “BOTTOM-LINE” MENTALITY

Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you.

James 5:1

THE SCRIPTURES WARN US against a money-only, bottom-line mentality that sees life only through the prism of our finances. James, pastor of the early church in Jerusalem, saw this worldview firsthand, as wealthy aristocrats both inside and outside the church cheated their employees and exploited the poor. James spoke prophetically about God’s coming justice on behalf of victims of injustice, and he didn’t mince words warning the rich against the miseries coming their way. There are certainly injustices in our society today, too, but we may not regard them with the same seriousness that the Bible does.

A gospel-centered approach to wealth puts a higher value on relationships than on money. In this worldview, wealth is simply a tool for a greater end: glorifying God and serving His people. The gospel-centered employer cares more about his employees than his bottom line. He uses his means to help the less fortunate. And he recognizes that his financial success is the result of God’s grace.

This countercultural philosophy not only invites God’s favor but also stands as a stark contrast to business environments that are increasingly characterized by greed. It is the gospel lived out in plain view, a signpost to the radical nature of Christ’s coming Kingdom, where money doesn’t rule the day.

BOTTOM LINE

Wealth makes a great tool for Kingdom work, but a very poor idol.

Moment of Strength: James 5:1-6