“Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of armies.” James 5:4
In our world of media and headlines, there are many stories of scams of businesses that seemed trustworthy or leaders we thought we could trust. When the truth comes out, we are often shocked by what was hiding behind the façade that was so well put together. When James gave this warning, he reminded the church that gains made at someone else’s expense will have justice repaid in time. We can build a façade of riches and build a life that is comfortable for us, but God knows what happens behind the scenes. He knows each scheme, each person in need we pass by, and every selfish ambition we pursue. He hears the cries of the overlooked and ignored, and we will be responsible for our actions.
Though we live in a world that is focused on outcome and appearance, God is focused on the heart. Jeremiah 17:10 says, “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, to give to each person according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.” As we go through this life, He cares about the person we are becoming and how we are treating other people in the process. He gives us the opportunity to be changed from the inside out, to be people like Him.
- Is there anywhere your life does not match the way it appears? How so?
- What are some ways God has worked on your heart? How has He changed the way you care for the oppressed and overlooked?
- Pray for those who are oppressed and overlooked and ask God to help you see the ways you can love and serve them.
