A Word to the Rich

Scripture – James 5:1-6: ¹Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. ²Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. ³Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. ⁴Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. ⁵You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. ⁶You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) These are great words for other people. I can pick them up and point them at all kinds of people – especially people I don’t know. Yet what is the message here for me? I have a great temptation at times to hoard my wealth (as though it were really mine). And clearly, James is writing to those who have accumulated wealth by taking advantage of other people. Have I done that?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll pay attention to that last question. In this day of a global economy, it’s hard to tell where exactly products I buy have come from. Under what conditions were the made? I’ll also loosen my grip on what God has entrusted to me. That is, I’ll avoid hoarding.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, teach me to loosen my hold on the great wealth you have entrusted to me. Show me how to handle your money in a just and righteous way in today’s global economy. Thank you for providing so generously. Forgive me for taking that and you for granted.