“You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you” (James 5:5).
Have you sought the good life? Are you living for yourself? These are legitimate questions we need to ask ourselves. Is my generosity something that hampers my ability to do things I would rather do? Does my giving preclude spending money on myself? It is not that you give to gain, but that keeping things for yourself may harm you spiritually. Think on these things and ask the hard questions.
Lord, I am selfish. I do want to live the good life. Help me Lord to see beyond myself and care for others. Lead me, Lord, in the way of living as You have designed it to be lived. You know where I fall short and where I think of myself first. Guide me out of this way of thinking so that I may be conformed to the image of Christ. Through all these things, teach me to be faithful.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the example You have given us all. You had nothing in this world, kept nothing, and left nothing from this world. But for our salvation, You had everything and gave it away. You who needed nothing became nothing for the sake of us who think we have everything but have nothing. Lead me Lord in the way You know I need to go and help me follow You always. Amen.
