The medieval battle cry of...
Illustration
The medieval battle cry of Spain was, "Santiago y cierra Espana!" It means "St. James and close ranks!" St. James is the patron saint of Spain and to "close ranks" is to ready the troops for the change against the enemy.
In the passage from James today, the enemy is our selfish use of riches against the righteous people around us. Our money and power affect peoples' lives today.
We need to "close ranks and change" against our sinful will to control others, oppressing them with our wealth and power. Instead, we can use our money, prestige and connections to help our fellow laborers in the world. For instance, take time to check that what you buy is made by companies that are fair to their workers and that the products they make help people and the planet. See if your pension and retirement programs are invested in companies that deal fairly with all races and cultures.
-- Garrison
In the passage from James today, the enemy is our selfish use of riches against the righteous people around us. Our money and power affect peoples' lives today.
We need to "close ranks and change" against our sinful will to control others, oppressing them with our wealth and power. Instead, we can use our money, prestige and connections to help our fellow laborers in the world. For instance, take time to check that what you buy is made by companies that are fair to their workers and that the products they make help people and the planet. See if your pension and retirement programs are invested in companies that deal fairly with all races and cultures.
-- Garrison
