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“ You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have
fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.” – James 5:5
In the 21st century they have become known as the 1% by the
media to describe those of affluence at the very top of the population
pool. They are called out by some as
unloving, unjust and selfish. Certainly
within this group of the 3.2 million (in America) or 62 million world wide
there are those who fit this description, but there are also those who have
been blessed tremendously because they give and love tremendously. On one hand we raise them up as accomplished
and successful and set them as an example for all to see. Forbes
magazine lifts them up annually and places them on a pedestal for all to
observe. We look at this societal class
system and many react with anger and jealousy towards those at the top that
have achieved wealth and prosperity in this life. We believe this is a 21st century problem,
but according to James writings in the 1st century, the situation was
commonplace then as well.
Just as we will always have the poor with us, we will always have the opposite
end of the spectrum – those that have achieved much in life. There is nothing wrong with achieving wealth
in life. Most of us would love to have
realized the magic formula for making it big and achieving great wealth. Look at any of the names in the Forbes Top 10
Billionaires list and realize, that none of them got their without hard work
and determination. They have given up
much in life to achieve their status in the world. I’m sure there are many stories from people
who have been pushed down as these individuals pursued their goals in
life. I also believe there are just as
many stories from those that have been helped as a result of these individuals
success.
We can’t look at the wealthy with scorn, jealousy and anger because they have and most of us have not. This is no different than their sinful action of hoarding and selfishness. I believe God’s plan for great wealth is for mankind to use it for the advancement of His kingdom. When it is used for self-indulgence and bringing glory to mankind rather than to the Creator is when it should be viewed as sinful. We need to focus our eyes upon how we can help the world with what God has provided for us, and take our attention away from the envious cravings we have for what others might possess. Rather than hold these individuals up in contempt and judge them as unjust, we ought to be praying that the Lord soften their heart, and that He humble them to use their wealth in helping those in need.
It is said that if you have change in your seat cushions or the ashtray of your car, you are in the top 10% of the wealthiest individuals in the world. That means you are in the Top 620 million list, leaving 5.6 billion people with means less than yours. To these 5.6 billion people you are considered extremely wealthy. Are you giving back to those in need?
ACTION: A cup of coffee costs $4. There are thirty days in a month. That’s $120 a month that the typical person stopping at Starbucks spends on coffee. To many this is an extreme luxary. Do you realize that it only cost $29 a month to sponsor a child in Africa or Haiti or Ecuador through World Vision . Before we cast stones at the rich and haughty, perhaps we should focus on what we ourselves can do. Take action today, won’t you.
We can’t look at the wealthy with scorn, jealousy and anger because they have and most of us have not. This is no different than their sinful action of hoarding and selfishness. I believe God’s plan for great wealth is for mankind to use it for the advancement of His kingdom. When it is used for self-indulgence and bringing glory to mankind rather than to the Creator is when it should be viewed as sinful. We need to focus our eyes upon how we can help the world with what God has provided for us, and take our attention away from the envious cravings we have for what others might possess. Rather than hold these individuals up in contempt and judge them as unjust, we ought to be praying that the Lord soften their heart, and that He humble them to use their wealth in helping those in need.
It is said that if you have change in your seat cushions or the ashtray of your car, you are in the top 10% of the wealthiest individuals in the world. That means you are in the Top 620 million list, leaving 5.6 billion people with means less than yours. To these 5.6 billion people you are considered extremely wealthy. Are you giving back to those in need?
ACTION: A cup of coffee costs $4. There are thirty days in a month. That’s $120 a month that the typical person stopping at Starbucks spends on coffee. To many this is an extreme luxary. Do you realize that it only cost $29 a month to sponsor a child in Africa or Haiti or Ecuador through World Vision . Before we cast stones at the rich and haughty, perhaps we should focus on what we ourselves can do. Take action today, won’t you.
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