James 5:4
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
James admonishes the wealthy who are unfair to those who work for them. Even though we may not be in a situation like the wealthy landowners of that time, the lesson is important. Because of our position and/or our relative wealth, we may find ourselves in a position of power. God sees all of it. He sees how we treat others, whether we are fair or miserly. God wants all people to be treated fairly. We have control over how we treat others, even if we have no control over the rest of their circumstances.
Father God, help me to always be fair in my relationships and my business dealings. When I am not fair, help me to see. Amen
Becky, transforming
James 5:4
Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
The ungodly rich mistakenly think that they are relieving themselves and their families from hardships through their wealth and possessions. James says that they are storing up misery and hardship for the final judgment! The very thing that they trust in for comfort will soon result in their final demise . We need to examine ourselves prayerfully and often, so that we don’t fall into what James is condemning. I believe that the Lord wants us to live simply and manage our…
James 5:4
In today’s world, we would call this an abuse of power. We see it happening every day. Whether it is union workers who need to strike in order to be paid a fair wage and have health insurance, or someone with no money for a good lawyer up against someone with money to spare. Both of these scenarios are in the news this week. What the abusers have forgotten is that God sees their greed and will not forget it. Justice will be served, if not in this world, then the next.
Prayer: gracious God, abuse of power is so prevalent in our world today, please use your power to combat it. Amen
James 5:4 A hard lesson that some folks never learn, despite hearing it from childhood, is that life is not fair. This is all the more reason for the follower of Christ to bend over backward to be fair in all their dealings with others. Christians should be God’s counterpoint the the unfair world around us. It is in this way that we can demonstrate life in Christ is a more excellent way.
Prayer - Merciful God, grace me with a heart for fairness in all that I do and say. Let the example of true fairness present the opportunity for faith to take hold in those who do not yet know You. Amen
TAA