December 5
James 5
The rich of this world are warned against an uncompassionate use of their wealth.
INSIGHT
James does not condemn wealth; rather he condemns the uncompassionate use of wealth. It is not wrong to have money, but it is very wrong to have money and not use it to further the Gospel and the welfare of the needy of the world. Those in need are often utterly dependent on those with wealth. In support of James' teaching, Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:17-18: "Command those who are rich . . . that they be rich in good works." Neither Paul nor James tells the rich to give up their riches; rather both encourage the rich to use their wealth compassionately and generously.
PRAYER
Praise the Lord for the harmony that He can bring to our relationships:
O Lord, how manifold are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all.
The earth is full of Your possessions . . .
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
May the Lord rejoice in His works.
He looks on the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the hills, and they smoke.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the Lord (Psalm 104:24, 31-34).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving.
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
So Samuel said:
"Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams"(1 Samuel 15:22).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
(Revelation 3:21)
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
good stewardship with your resources,
needs of your extended family,
whatever else is on your heart.
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
"Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever. Amen" (Revelation 7:12).
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