You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. (James 5:5)
Expanded Passage: James 5:5
I pass a cow pasture on my way to church every Sunday, but these are not ordinary cows. Well, the cows are regular beef cows, but it’s their location that is curious. They are grazing in the church yard—fenced of course. In the spring, the church purchases a few young cows and lets them do what cows do: eat grass. When they have been fattened on the grass and supplemental feed, they are sent off for “processing.” That’s the word that’s used so as not to upset the sensibilities of some who might have become attached to these docile creatures. The “product” of this processing is then sold, and the proceeds are used for various ministry projects. Fat cows are good for only one thing—generating things like steaks or roast beef.
James was writing to a bunch of fat cats. He warned that their lavish, self-indulgent lifestyle may seem to be helping them find the life of their dreams and open up doors to great things, but in the end, it would only lead to a horrible day of reckoning. In Matthew 6, Jesus gave the antidote for not getting “fat” when he challenged his listeners to store up “treasures in heaven” (v. 20). Use your time to rescue those around you. Apply your talents to glorify God. Use your treasure on things of eternal value.
Do something of eternal value this week.
Calvin Wylie is a retired federal employee. He is the son of a Wesleyan pastor and evangelist. Calvin and his wife, Tammy, live in Clemson, South Carolina.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
