Debt and Love

Scripture:

Look! The pay that you withheld from the workers who reaped your fields cries out, and the outcry of the harvesters has reached the ear of the Lord of Hosts.

You have lived luxuriously on the land and have indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter.

You have condemned - you have murdered - the righteous man; he does not resist you.
James 5:4-6


Observation:

Here is further condemnation of the rich who use their wealth for their own selfish pleasure but have not paid their bills. In addition to not paying their bills (specifically the wages of their workers), the rich have judged and murdered the saints, even though the saints have not been in battle against (i.e. enemies of) the rich man.


Application:

Financial stewardship is so important! It is not okay to spend frivolously when our bills are not paid. Living debt-free should be a goal of each of God’s children, so we are free to love one another. Debt keeps us from being able to love each other freely. (See Romans 13:8.)


Prayer:

Father, help us be wise in spending. May our checkbook(s) reflect Your will and desire for our finances!