What Are You Living For?

I have had the privilege of travelling around the world—literally! I’ve seen too much not to be sympathetic towards the oppressed and the poor. As a result, I want to do all I can to encourage a movement towards a wider distribution of the blessings most of us enjoy.

James directs us to examine ourselves and our actions. He does not mince words. So, let us look at his warnings with openness to see if any of these four indictments apply to us.

First, are we honest? Do we deal with those who work for us in an honest manner? No matter where we are working, there is an opportunity for dishonesty. Is your conscience deadened to even asking if what you do is honest?

Secondly, are you cruel in how you treat others? Do you look at others working for you as machinery to get the job done? Do you treat others with the Golden Rule from Jesus? “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12).

Thirdly, are you accumulating wealth only to enrich your life or that of your family? Remember, we are just stewards of our resources. We are responsible to God. Our money is not ours; it is God’s. Are we using it effectively as if it were his?

Fourth and lastly, James challenges us to live in luxury and self-indulgence. Are you in any way guilty of this? I realize this is all relative, yet all of us can live more simply. We are judged not by how much money we live on but by what we live for. Are you living to do the will of God?

Respond in Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank you and praise you for your great grace toward me and the many blessings I enjoy. Draw me closer to you that I may become an instrument of grace in the lives of others, all for your glory and honour, Amen.

Carson Pue