James 5:5
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence you have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.
*James proclaims the worthlessness of riches, not the worthlessness of the rich. Today's money will be worthless when Christ returns, so we should spend our time accumulating the kind of treasures that will be worthwhile in God's eternal kingdom. Money is not the problem. It is the love of money that leads to evil. *
There have been times I have cried out to God, asking him why Joe and I seem to always struggle financially. Why do we live pay check to pay check. Why can't we send all three of our children to private Christian school? Why Lord...WHY?
God has provided me with a home.
God has provided me with food.
God has provided me with clothing.
God has provided me with a vehicle.
He has provided me with FAR more then is necessary to live. Above all, he has provided me with health, family and friends.
When I go into one of my little temper boo hoo tantrums about finance I need to humble myself and remember that the MONEY should NEVER be my DESIRE!
James 5: 7-9
You too,be patient and stand firm,because the Lords coming is near. Don't grumble against each other,brothers or you will be judged. The judge is standing at the door.
* Don't live as if Christ will never come. Work faithfully to build his kingdom.The king WILL come when the time is right.When things go wrong we tend to grumble against and blame others for our miseries. Blaming others is easier then owning our share of responsibility. Before you judge others for their shortcomings, remember that Christ the judge will come to evaluate each of us. He will not let us get away with shifting blame to others.
This terrifies me! Anyone who knows me even just a little,knows that I cannot stand for anyone to be upset with me. It drives me mad if I have let someone down or find out they do not like me for some reason.
Thinking about standing before Christ, knowing that I have disappointed him makes my heart race, face flush, palms sweat--etc. Classic panic attack.
I remind myself of this feeling every time I feel the urge to judge another person. It is NOT my place to judge or cast my problems - my faults as someone Else's fault.
James 5:12
Above all my brothers, do not swear-not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.Let your "yes" be yes, and your "No" be no,or you will be condemned.
* A person with a reputation for exaggeration or lying often can't get anyone to believe him on his word alone. Christians should never become like that. Always be honest so that others will believe your simple yes or no.By avoiding lies, half truths,and omissions of the truth,you will become known as a trustworthy person.
Because of my strong need to have people 'pleased' with me I am ashamed to say I have fallen as not being entirely honest at times. Later, I feel sick with guilt about it.
I believe God has helped me work on this and I am much less tempted now. Something I am working on is making promises and following through on my promise. I will make a promise FULLY intent on doing what I say but then I will loose the desire or realize I was never capable of fulfilling it. Unfilled promises are like half-truths. Right? Will you please pray for me about this?
5:20
remember this:Whoever turns a sinner from error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
*The book of James emphasizes faith in action.Right living is the evidence and result of faith. The church must serve with compassion, speak lovingly and truthfully, live in obedience to God's commands and love one another. If we truly believe Gods word, we will live it day by day. God's word is not merely something we read or think about,but something we DO. Belief, faith and trust must have hands and feet- ours! *
No comments:
Post a Comment