via TJC
”Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.“
—James 5:1 NIV
A couple days ago, I was helping a godly friend of mine with his sports trading cards business. Cole shared about a recent conviction:
Let’s say someone places an order for an autographed 1986-1987 Michael Jordan Rookie card. Then, since they’re already browsing the online shop, they decide to purchase a Hank Aaron jersey patch card too. They’ve just put in two separate orders that will get shipped out in one package. What they don’t realize is they’ve paid the cost for shipping twice, when in reality, Cole only needs to use one package and one stamp to mail both cards.
After brushing it off as “marginal” and “insignifiant” for a while, Cole was convicted of the large, cumulative profit he was making on these duplicate shipping fees by this Proverb:
“A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.”
—Proverbs 11:1
The Holy Spirit spurred him to begin including cash reimbursement in each multi-order package. What Cole didn’t see coming is that his act of righteousness actually led him to greater joy and more profits. Cole became excited to reimburse his customers anytime they placed a duplicate shipping cost. Customers who received their reimbursements became fiercely loyal to Cole’s business.
If you read the first couple verses of James 5, you might wonder whether God finds rich people guilty of merely being rich! But keep reading to verses 4-5:
“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.”
—James 1:4-5
The “rich people” in verse 1 are not guilty of being rich. They’re guilty of not paying their workers. They fattened themselves in luxurious self-indulgence. This is NOT the life God has called His children to live.
Daily Battle Order:
Where are you fattening yourself in self-indulgence? Where are you gaining dishonestly like Cole was?
Pray. Ask God to show you. Don’t be surprised if He brings a “minor” detail to light. Repent! “The life that is truly life” is found in a commitment to Christ, righteousness, integrity, generosity…