Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Honor Labor, Not Oppressive Wealth

Bible Reading:   James 5:1-6


Key verse: “You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter”. James 5:5


DEVOTION

In this passage James is speaking to the rich who were oppressing their workers by not paying their wages and appeared to be succeeding and getting away. It is very clear from this passage that the Lord sees everything. The corroded gold and silver are testifying against them. The unpaid wages are testifying against them (c.f. Abel's blood testifying against Cain), and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. Our actions and the motives of the heart are bare before God and visible in the unseen realm and we are answerable to Him. And there surely will be consequences down the road because of this if we do not repent. 
Let us consider our life today. Are we maintaining integrity in financial matters or have cheated others in any way, or kept money that doesn't belong to us? If so, this passage challenges us to correct our mistakes and turn to God and live with integrity (consider the life of Zaccheus). Let us also examine our motives and what drives our behavior. Have we put our trust in our wealth instead of in God (Luke 12:21)?  Do we trust God for our needs and that He will sustain us? Do we believe that if we ask God, He will give us the wisdom and the power we need to make wealth for our needs? (Prov 3:16, Duet 8:18).  Let us put our complete trust in God and walk with Him. 

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for the promise that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me to trust you completely. Give me wisdom for my daily life and the grace to fulfill all my responsibilities with integrity and peace. 

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY


 “Take my silver and my gold; Not a mite would I withhold.” Frances Ridley Havergal. 


Tinku Alex
Carmel Mar Thoma Church, Boston

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