READ: 1
TIMOTHY 6:17-19
Money is a
defence, just like wisdom. That means it is very useful in many areas. But God
has defined how we should think about riches. God instructs his children, whom
he has blessed, not to allow pride as a result of their wealth. Also they are
to put their trust in God, not in their money, because God is the source of our
wealth. A rich Christian is also expected to be full of good works and always
ready to give to needy ones and invest his riches in God-glorifying projects as
a way of laying up great rewards for himself in eternity.
Riches and wealth are part of our Covenant rights. Jesus Christ took our poverty and lack and gave us his riches. God has a purpose for them. When they are not used accordingly, they defeat the purpose of being sent. Proverbs 11:24-25 says that those who deliberately lay up wealth without meeting God’s purpose for it, may end up losing it. Saving is good but excessive saving – storing what God expects you to distribute to the needy – can turn riches into poverty.
James 5:1-6 warns the wicked rich of atrocities they commit. Wealth is power. A poor king can be maltreated by rich citizens of his kingdom. Wherever wicked men are rich, they want to assume control and dominate. Even in church today, there is great discrimination against the poor. Those who are wealthy want the pastor to become their slave. They want to dictate the progress, the message and all major decisions. They want to hire and fire and occupy the highest seats (James 2:1-9).
If you cannot submit yourself to your spiritual leader because you are rich, your riches will become a misery and an abomination to God. Instead of being a blessing, they will turn into a curse, an exhibit to use against you on the Day of Judgement. Be wise. Even when others are doing wrong, should you join them? Why not become an example of a truly wealthy Christian today?
Riches and wealth are part of our Covenant rights. Jesus Christ took our poverty and lack and gave us his riches. God has a purpose for them. When they are not used accordingly, they defeat the purpose of being sent. Proverbs 11:24-25 says that those who deliberately lay up wealth without meeting God’s purpose for it, may end up losing it. Saving is good but excessive saving – storing what God expects you to distribute to the needy – can turn riches into poverty.
James 5:1-6 warns the wicked rich of atrocities they commit. Wealth is power. A poor king can be maltreated by rich citizens of his kingdom. Wherever wicked men are rich, they want to assume control and dominate. Even in church today, there is great discrimination against the poor. Those who are wealthy want the pastor to become their slave. They want to dictate the progress, the message and all major decisions. They want to hire and fire and occupy the highest seats (James 2:1-9).
If you cannot submit yourself to your spiritual leader because you are rich, your riches will become a misery and an abomination to God. Instead of being a blessing, they will turn into a curse, an exhibit to use against you on the Day of Judgement. Be wise. Even when others are doing wrong, should you join them? Why not become an example of a truly wealthy Christian today?
MEMORIZE:
PROVERBS 13:11 –Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that
gathers by labor shall increase.
