Wednesday September 28, 2016

Polluted Gains

- JAMES 5:1-11

Key Verse:

"Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are en- tered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth" (James 5:4).

The writer of today's text, having dealt with various issues of interest in previous chapters, now turned his attention to the wealthy class. He had stiff warning for the rich, not because of their riches but for their oppression and wicked exploitation of the poor. The truly rich leaves no debt behind him and he definitely owes no one their just wages or due. The wicked rich is not so. His wealth is largely the result of ruthless and godless business principles and oppression of the poor like delaying, decreasing or keeping back the wages of labourers and workmen. This attitude offends God. Those who become affluent through dishonesty and exploitative domination of others sin greatly against men and God. It may seem such practice is an acceptable norm in our society today; yet, the Lord puts a curse upon gains got by dishonesty. To live in affluence and luxury on the travails and labours of others who groan under oppression and poverty is the height of insensitivity and wickedness. Christian masters and employers of labour owe it a duty not only to honour their obligation to their employees but also to help see to the removal or reduction of poverty in the society and in the church. Money, it is said, is like manure: it does no good till it is spread. The poor man's wages is for his survival and support of his family. It should be paid promptly as it is earned.

Thought for the day: God avenges the blood of the innocent and the sweat of the oppressed.

Bible Reading in one Year:ECCLESIASTES 4 - 7