James 5, Warning to Rich Oppressors

James 5:1-6

Warning to Rich Oppressors

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

Though I am not a particularly rich woman, I take passages like these to heart, because I know I am so rich compared to others, and that sometimes bothers me. I can get so wrapped up in money because I can't buy as much food or I have trouble paying bills some months. But I still have so much more than the poor.

If there's one thing I learned from Swaziland, it's how to be grateful for everything I have. The Swazis never complained. They had the basic needs, and they didn't want any more than that. I am so thankful to live in this country and to be raised in a family that could provide for me. I am thankful I get to study at an amazing school so I can do what I love for a living. I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food in my belly, and I try to give as much as I can back to society and to the poor.