James 5:1-6
Do you know where the monetary coin the penny came from? Originally, the root word itself was used across various European countries to describe a financial coin. Later a powerful Anglo Saxon king named Offa, created the first English penny, around 765-775, that was actually made out of silver. As the years progressed, and pennies were spent in various transactions, the usage of the word eventually spread into literature. In 1522, Sir Thomas More wrote a book titled Four Last Things. In this book ,he is the first one to actually record the famous phrase; “A penny for your thoughts.” The meaning behind this is that one person in a conversation has fallen silent and thoughtful. The other person then gently asks for them to reengage in the conversation by stating, “A penny for your thoughts.” That gentle persuasive tone is not what we see James using as he opens chapter five. Instead James gives a strong warning about the misdirected worldly priorities of possessions and wealth. James calls out to the wealthy in his audience and reminds them that riches have brought misery, which is the result of trusting their wealth and not placing their faith in God (1). James says that their priorities (2-3) and their practice (4) are out of order. They are seeking to save and serve themselves by hoarding what God has given them. The result is that they have missed the purpose of wealth by being Godly stewards (5-6). Instead of sharing the blessings of God with others, they have squandered God’s blessings on themselves. As a result, they are unable to see their coming destruction. For us today a life of faith lives believing that God owns everything, that God provides everything that I own, and that God has called me to manage, not hoard, what He has given. A penny for your thoughts?
For more see JAMES
Do you know where the monetary coin the penny came from? Originally, the root word itself was used across various European countries to describe a financial coin. Later a powerful Anglo Saxon king named Offa, created the first English penny, around 765-775, that was actually made out of silver. As the years progressed, and pennies were spent in various transactions, the usage of the word eventually spread into literature. In 1522, Sir Thomas More wrote a book titled Four Last Things. In this book ,he is the first one to actually record the famous phrase; “A penny for your thoughts.” The meaning behind this is that one person in a conversation has fallen silent and thoughtful. The other person then gently asks for them to reengage in the conversation by stating, “A penny for your thoughts.” That gentle persuasive tone is not what we see James using as he opens chapter five. Instead James gives a strong warning about the misdirected worldly priorities of possessions and wealth. James calls out to the wealthy in his audience and reminds them that riches have brought misery, which is the result of trusting their wealth and not placing their faith in God (1). James says that their priorities (2-3) and their practice (4) are out of order. They are seeking to save and serve themselves by hoarding what God has given them. The result is that they have missed the purpose of wealth by being Godly stewards (5-6). Instead of sharing the blessings of God with others, they have squandered God’s blessings on themselves. As a result, they are unable to see their coming destruction. For us today a life of faith lives believing that God owns everything, that God provides everything that I own, and that God has called me to manage, not hoard, what He has given. A penny for your thoughts?
For more see JAMES
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