A 2014 headline in Forbe’s reads “By Global Standards There Are No American Poor; All In The US Are Middle Class Or Better.” Roughly 70% in the U.S. consider themselves as middle class according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual. According to those reporting, middle class is defined as earning a annual income between $24,000 to $72,000.
Let’s be honest, chapter 5 in James likely applies to most everyone in the USA. Most of us have too much “stuff” and we clamor for more “stuff.” Having money or being wealthy isn’t necessarily bad. What matters is how you acquired the wealth and how you use it.
Matthew 6:20-21 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
James 5: 5 “You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.” Such an interesting comment. The comparison is hard hitting. It is a common practice to “fatten or finish” cattle prior to slaughter. Hoarding wealth for ourselves and not investing in growing God’s Kingdom is a formula for an everlasting disaster.
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