Thursday 1 Jun 2023

June 1: James 5:1-6

Key Verse: James 5:6
You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Devotion:
After reading the verses above you may think this is going to be another devotion talking about people lusting after money instead of God and that being a bad idea… But it’s not! I put off writing this schism for a while because I felt guilty about bashing rich people because I know quite a few good people who are rich and have worked hard to get that wealth… but they are different from other rich people!

I have been pleasantly surprised by hearing of the good and charitable things many rich people have done; to be able to give of your time or money so others can have a better life is something we should all aim for whether we are rich or poor! We can look at many people who say they do not believe in God but see a goodness within them which shows by the good things they do in communities and societies.

We are all in the same world and so in the same predicament when it comes to living and dying. Where we come from and how we get there is going to be very different for rich people as opposed to poor people; but we all face the same condemnation when it comes to the final judgment from Christ.

I am not one who fits into the world of separating rich and poor people just because of their wealth. I try hard to make sure all people are welcome to my home and into my life – and that gets me into trouble sometimes because there are many who live by some sort of class system in society. Jesus made sure all people from all walks in life were able to approach Him at any time – that is what we should aim for as well!

Points to Ponder:
Do you count yourself as rich or poor?

Will you set that aside and give help to someone today?