05/19/2026
“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. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 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. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.”
James 5:1-6 NIV
In these six verses, James warns rich oppressors. As you read this, there is a lot of intense language used to grab the attention of those who have allowed the love of money to take root in their hearts. Money isn’t evil, and being rich isn’t evil, but when the love of money becomes more important than your love for God or people, that’s when you see the decline in one’s heart posture. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns us that “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil….” A love of money can lead you to turn your back on those whom you are called to love, including God, all in the pursuit of obtaining more. So I challenge you today: don’t be tempted by the importance the world places on money; instead, live a life that focuses on God’s standards (Romans 12:1-2). Choose today what and whom your heart will serve, and what and whom your heart will love. How can I pray for you today?
