Friday, August 27, 2010

Self-indulgence

James 5:1-6

Compared to some in the world, I am rich. And compared to others, I am poor. It depends upon where you live in this world as to whether you are considered rich or poor. In reality, we are rich if we have more than we need. And let's face it....most of us have more than we need. But when I read this passage in James, I am most convicted, not about the amount of money I have or don't have, but the level of importance I put on it. Verse 5 says, "You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter." Of course, immediately my mind goes to how many Christian Americans live self-indulgent lives. But God's Word is a light to my path and when the light of this verse is shone on my path, what is revealed? I pray you will consider the same. "A life without self-denial is a life that soon runs out of control in every area," quoted John MacArthur in one of his sermons on this passage.