Don’t let wealth and money deceive you! Bible at many places warns of the deceitfulness of richness. Word of God says, “...the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrow.” (1 Tim. 6:10) We may think money brings only happiness, but here Bible says it can bring also sorrow. It is true that money can have a great influence over us. Therefore how we deal with money is a spiritual matter as well. In one way, our attitude towards money really determines the worth of a person. Remember God asked us to “...flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness...lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Tim. 6:11-12) Are we? Fame frequently accompanies wealth. For some, what completely matters is fame, social standing and influence which money can buy, so they diligently go after money. But what was Jesus’ attitude towards the rich and wealthy. Wealthy, well-positioned, famous people did not intimidate Jesus. Christ neither resented nor revered the social elite. The Savior recognized that financial prosperity could not supply peace, personal contentment, meaningful relationships, or deep-seated purpose. Sometimes the wealthiest magnate could easily be lonelier, emptier, and resentful than the simplest, poorest, and most humble believer in God. Jesus specifically warned against greed for money. (Matt. 6:19-21; Matt. 13:22; Matt.19:22-23; Matt. 23:25-26) He valued salvation of the soul more than all the wealth accumulated on this planet (Matt. 16:26). But we fallen human beings, many a time feel jealousy, towards people who have more money than us. This may even prevent us from loving these rich people and conveying the gospel to them. But remember Jesus died for all human beings and wealthy individuals are also souls who are in need of a saving knowledge of Jesus. Bible never unconditionally criticizes wealth or the affluent. As with many other things in life, problems do not arise from the things itself, but from the way we relate to it or the attitude – in this case money. In summary richness itself, does not show spiritual poverty or indifference. There are examples of many wealthy people in the Bible like Abraham (Gen. 13:5-6), Joseph (Gen. 41:41-43), Job (Job 1:3), Mordecai, Esther, Hezekiah etc., who were rich, at the same time spiritually- minded. However the example of Nebuchadnezzar shows how dangerous it is to make wealth an idol, which any of us can easily do? (Daniel 3:1-23; 4:29-33). But one thing is sure, we should not forget from where these blessings came. We should always acknowledge God, for His generosity in all material gifts. Never say in our hearts, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth...” (Deut. 8:17-18) How it is easy to be owned by our material possessions. That is why Jesus warned about “the deceitfulness of riches” (Mark 4:19). Think how easily money or the pursuit of it can derange our spiritual priorities. When we try to reach those wealthy people, keep always in our mind the above truth. Although material possessions are not forbidden, they should be placed in the correct perspective. Worldly goods are God’s instruments to help human beings. These blessings should be rather shared, than hoarded. A materialistic person, whether poor or rich is in danger of sacrificing eternal life for temporal pleasures. Passing fancies may take the place of eternal satisfaction. Humans can have only one master – God or money, never both. (Mark 4:18-19; Luke 1:51-53; 6:22-25; 12:16-21; 16:13) In the story of the wealthy young man (Matt. 19:16-26), God’s conditions for discipleship were inflexible, everything for Jesus – worldly greatness to be exchanged for heavenly pleasure. You cannot have both. Although he possessed credentials, qualifications, abundant material resources, unquestioned morality, and unlimited self-esteem, Christ’s mission is sacred and compromise cannot be tolerated. Every selfish indulgence must be surrendered. This rich young man who went away disappointed, had more love of money and wealth, than for God. (Luke 10:27) Therefore let us think, are we deceived by money! If you like this message, please visit my page, like and share it with your friends https://facebook/SomeTruthsThatYouShouldNotMiss
Posted on: Wed, 19 Feb 2014 02:02:41 +0000
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