A cartoon in the New Yorker magazine reveals two very well-dressed businessmen having an exotic lunch in an expensive eatery. One of the men has a look of horror on his face as he says to the other, "I had the most terrifying dream last night. I dreamed that the value of the dollar had slipped so low that it was no longer worth worshiping!"

This is exactly what James is addressing and correcting in his challenging words. Most of us here today know that money is a poor substitute for a living relationship with our Master--Jesus Christ. However, one of the greatest challenges to the American people is the consumer orientation and materialism that has gripped the soul of the American people. Thomas Merton, the insightful spiritual writer, has written, "The true law of our day is the law of w…