Luxury Ice and Self-Indulgence
Thursday - March 11th
Devotionals from the Book of James
Scripture to Read Today: James 5:1-6
You have lived on earth in luxury
and self-indulgence.
You have fattened yourselves
in the day of slaughter.
James 5:5
Gläce Luxury Ice is the world's leading premium drink-ice brand. They have a proprietary manufacturing process that creates tasteless ice that allows the consumer to maximize the beverage experience, unlike traditional ice products. They give a concise description of their product on their website: "Our elegant design provides minimum dilution and maximum cooling, greatly enhancing enjoyment at the point of consumption. Gläce Luxury Ice provides consumers with a top-shelf choice for ice that matches their premium beverage selection."
According to Gläce, normal machine-ice, generally made with local tap water, may contain impurities, resulting in poor tasting and potentially unhealthy ice. In contrast, the company says that Gläce Ice is "an engineered product protected in a resealable package, ensuring a sanitary chain of custody from origin to enjoyment. As a premium, branded product, Gläce Ice provides a unique, consistent experience for the consumer who demands the best."
So what do these luxury ice cubes cost? The company sells two different shapes of ice cubes. You can get 20 ice cubes of each type (a total of 40 ice cubes) for $325. Yes, you read that correctly. Gläce Ice sells ice cubes for a little over $8 per cube.
Is there anything inherently wrong with a luxury $8 ice cubes? No.
BUT, when God blesses us financially, he expects us to, as Randy Alcorn says, "Be a river, not a reservoir of His blessing." If the luxuries you enjoy in life cause you to be a reservoir for yourself rather than a river of your financial resources for Christ's Kingdom, you have drifted far from the heart of generosity demonstrated by God Himself.
James 5:5 describes our self-indulgence and how dangerous it can be. James compares holding onto financial resources primarily for self-indulgence to a calf being fattened for the day of slaughter. In the end, swift judgment falls, and all our luxuries mean nothing. Those who live their lives as a river of generosity to Christ's Kingdom and others while enjoying the financial blessing God has given them leave little to nothing wasted when their end comes.
How about you? Are you more focused on being a reservoir or a river of God's blessing in your life? Heed the warning of James 5:1-6!
While we can enjoy God's financial blessings in our lives, we should intentionally cultivate a life of generosity!