Be Still and Know Daily Bible Devotion - October 2nd - James 5:1-2

James 5:1-2 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. You can almost see the steam coming out of James’ ears, can’t you? He is furious at the way in which the rich people are abusing their position. His very specific gripe is that they have failed to pay their workmen for mowing their fields. For James, this isn’t a little economic problem. This is an evil that has reached the ears of God Himself, and the rich people are heading for certain judgement. The Bible isn’t against rich people. However, God certainly [itals]is[end itals] against anyone who abuses others, and on many occasions, scripture reveals times when rich people have abused their position and exploited others. Wealth, in itself, is a good thing, because it is part of God’s creation. However, we live in a world where the majority of people live in poverty, and about 10% of people live in extreme poverty. Our responsibility is to be good stewards of what God has put in our hands. We need to use whatever God has given us wisely and ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and cared for. James wants us to know that we all have a role to play in sharing God’s good gifts. Question What do you own and how could you use it more effectively to help vulnerable people? Prayer Thank You Lord for all my possessions. I recognise that they have come from Your hands, and I ask Your Holy Spirit to help me to use them in a way that will glorify Your name. Amen