There is nothing wrong with having money. However, when money begins to control us, that’s when the problem starts. It’s the love of money that is the root of all evil. The problem is our attitude toward money and the sickness and greed that it brings. Greed and the desire for riches are temptations that entice us into various sins and wickedness, a snare that brings destruction and perdition. We are warned about the danger of the love of money.
But they that
will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and
hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of
money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred
from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy
6:9,10 KJV
When people have an abundance of wealth, they can
still want more, which is called vanity. People that covet worldly things will not
be satisfied. Some people are hurt by their riches, not only trying to satisfy
themselves but oppressing others, which is evil and not dealing well with them.
He that loveth
silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with
increase: this is also vanity.
There is a sore
evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners
thereof to their hurt.
Ecclesiastes
5:10,13 KJV
Jesus's words warned us to take heed and beware of
covetousness.
And he said
unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth
not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Luke 12:15 KJV
Jesus said it is hard for a rich person to enter
into the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:17-31) The rich
young ruler asked Jesus what he must do to obtain eternal life? Jesus said thou
knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do
not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. The young
man tells Jesus all these have I observed from my youth. He was self-righteous
as no one can keep the law (commandments) except Jesus Christ who came to
fulfil the law (Matthew 5:17).
Jesus tests his ability to obey the first commandment
(Exodus 20:3) by telling the rich young man to
sell all his possessions and give to the poor and to follow him. The young man
couldn’t do this; Jesus pointed out the young man’s problem: his love of money
and his possessions was idolatry and interfered with his love to follow God.
Then Jesus
beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way,
sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure
in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
And he was sad
at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
And Jesus
looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that
have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Mark 10:21-23
KJV
Whatever wealth is gotten in an unjust or unlawful
way, either by thieving, extortion, money laundering, fraud, etc., is vanity,
which shall be diminished.
Wealth gotten
by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Proverbs 13:11
KJV
In the Sermon of the Mount, Jesus told the people:
Lay not up for
yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and
where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your
treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew
6:19-21KJV
“We cannot serve two masters,” said Jesus. We
cannot serve God and money.
No man can serve
two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the
other; or else
he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Matthew 6:24
KJV
Jesus spoke a parable about a rich man who had plenty
(Luke 12:16-21). This rich man thought within
himself I have much goods, I will pull down my barns and build greater so that
I can keep all my goods and he said to his soul I have much goods laid up for
many years; I will take it easy, eat, drink, and be merry.
But God said
unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose
shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
So is he that
layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Luke 12:20,21
KJV
The Bible says:
Charge them that
are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain
riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1 Timothy
6:17KJV
But godliness
with contentment is great gain.
For we brought
nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food
and raiment let us be therewith content.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
KJV
Salvation is a free gift
for all those who repent, believe, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ's
precious blood alone to save you and you will pass from death to life. Lean not
on your own goodness and riches. Then read the Bible daily and ask God to help you
obey what you read. There is nothing more important than your eternal destiny,
Heaven or Hell.
Blessings in Christ
David & Gay
No comments:
Post a Comment