Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
James 5:4 (NIV)
Fraud
Last year was a historic year for financial losses reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Based on reports to the CAFC, $379 million was lost to scams and fraud in 2021, which was an increase of 130% compared to 2020. Increasingly, and especially over the past two years during the pandemic, many of us have turned to online services and devices to carry on with our daily activities. Many fraudsters use impersonation tactics to pose as a trusted source to steal money or personal information.
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With the rise of the Internet, fraud has become a global pandemic. How many calls, texts, social media interruptions do we get every day from those who would try to take every dollar that we have. Too many people have fallen for the latest scam or the latest get rich quick scheme. Pyramid schemes still attract the gullible. Until Jesus comes, there will always be wicked people who defraud others. Listen to what James 5:4 tells us this: “Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.” God doesn’t miss a thing. Fraud isn’t just stealing from others online, or on a phone. It is just as serious when fair wages aren’t given to those who are working hard for you. There is no place for this within the family of God. If you are a follower of Jesus, you are called to a high standard of financial integrity and fairness in the workplace. The God whom you have come to know through faith in Jesus Christ is watching, and calling us to justice and generosity.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley