How is your spiritual health? Why is this an important question to consider? The answer is found in the Bible book of James.
James chapter 5 provides guidelines to help us focus on our strengths and areas for improvement.
What could you possibly value more than God’s Word? James 5:1-6 focuses on fairness and saving.
Are you treating everyone fairly? Are you hoarding what you think is valuable?
A hoard is material or financial resources that are set aside and often hidden. What are you hiding or hoarding?
In verses 7-12 we are instructed to be patient under suffering and not complain about one another. Will we be patient under stressful times, or will we give in to malicious gossip in times of distress? Will we focus on God’s Word rather than on the idle chatter of men?
Do you follow the instruction in verses 13-20 to pray for one another and praise God when you are happy? Do you pray for others instead of gossiping about them?
How deeply do you understand the Bible teaching found in James chapter 5?
Think of an oak tree. Its roots are not strong. It only takes a little rain and a little wind to uproot the tree. It cannot withstand the storm. What about you? Are you an oak tree that can easily be uprooted, or do you stand firm in God’s Word despite the trials you have to endure?
Until next time: Remember to pray for one another and not complain about one another. Sing songs that praise God. Focus on staying grounded. Stay positive.
The Bible from the NIV (New International Version)
A warning to wealthy oppressors
(An oppressor who abuses power or authority to oppress or oppress others)
“Hear now, O rich people, wail and cry because of the calamity that is upon you. Your wealth will decay, your garments will be eaten by moths, your gold and silver will corrode, and the corrosion will rebuke you and eat your flesh like fire. You have accumulated wealth in these last days, and, behold, the wages that you did not give to the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you; the cry of the harvesters has reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived in luxury and debauchery on the earth, and grown fat in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and killed the innocent ones who did not oppose you.”
Enduring Suffering
“Be patient, brethren, until the Lord comes. Behold how the farmer patiently waits for the early and late rains, that the land may produce its precious crop. Be ye also patient, and stand firm, for the coming of the Lord is approaching. And do not grumble, brethren, one against another, lest you receive judgment; for the judge standeth at the door.
“Brothers and sisters, as examples of patience in the face of hardship, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. You all know that those who endure are counted blessed. You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen what the Lord ultimately accomplished. The Lord is merciful and full of mercy.
“Above all, brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or earth or by anything else. Just say ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’ or you will be found guilty.”
Prayer of Faith
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing a hymn. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church to pray over him in the name of the Lord, and let them anoint him with oil. A prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
“Elijah was a man like us. He prayed earnestly for rain, and for three and a half years it did not rain on the land. He prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
“Brethren, if any of you should wander from the truth, and any man should bring him back, remember that he that bringeth a sinner back from his error shall save him from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.”
Angela Ford of Searcy is host of the “Keep It Positive for Life” show, a Christian motivational program that airs every Sunday during the “Power and Praise” broadcast on Beebe’s B2 Internet radio. Visit tinyurl.com/2p8zcvwm .
Angela Ford of Searcy is host of the “Keep It Positive for Life” show, a Christian motivational program that airs every Sunday during the “Power and Praise” broadcast on Beebe’s B2 Internet radio. Visit tinyurl.com/2p8zcvwm .
