🔴 Heed the Warnings!
Bible Reading: James 5:1-20, Romans 9:29, Isaiah 1:9, Jeremiah 12:3
James 5:5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
As followers of Christ, we must be careful how we live. In this chapter, James speaks to the church about the outsiders(unbelievers), those who follow the worldly standard of success. He does not refer to these people as brothers, nor does he ask them to repent. Pay attention to these two key elements. I believe the Word of God has multiple avenues to gain wisdom and apply it to grow spiritually. If we consider reflection and review a priority, comparing ourselves to others will be low on our to-do list. The Word of God is good for the correction of His people!
Regi Campbell wrote, “What we have in abundance, we’re less careful with.”
Placing this statement with James 5:5, You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
The audience (church) James spoke to was to compare the actions of unbelievers to those who followed Christ. I know I am a sinner and ask God to forgive my errors. My faith is increased each time I surrender to His will and am honest with myself. Through prayer, the process is easy, the burden is lighter, and I don’t feel weighed down.
How do you address the possible idol worship in your life? What do you have in abundance? The comfort of having everything at our disposal is putting ourselves before God. We desire comfort over the sacrificial living Christ exemplified to us. He came down from heaven to show us how to live a life wholly unto Him. I encourage you to read James chapter 5 and ask yourself if any of those ideals prick your heart to examine yourself. Ask God to help you through His Holy Spirit.
🟢The idolized treasures we place a high value will rot away. Don’t forfeit the riches of eternity by excusing rebellious behavior. Heed the warnings, the Word of God guides us to explore. Isaiah 1:9 and Romans 9:29 remind us that our Lord is a just judge, and His wrath is real. The seeds we plant from meditating and using His Word as our framework will shine light in the darkness in this world.
~Torrie Slaughter, CEO & Founder Our Given Purpose®
This devotional was written, researched, produced, and edited by Torrie Slaughter in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
© Torrie Slaughter, LLC, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and Our Given Purpose ®, 2020.
- Day 115 Finding Strength & Comfort
- DAY 114 Finding Strength & Joy in the Psalms
- Day 113 Finding Refuge in the Shelter of God’s Wings
- Day 112 Trusting God’s Unfailing Covenant
- Day 111 The Unfailing Promises of God
