The Real Money 3

The Real Money 3

By Apostle Felix

9  But those who crave the wealth of this world slip into spiritual snares. They become trapped by the troubles that come through their foolish and harmful desires, driven by greed and drowning in their own sinful pleasures. And they take others down with them into their corruption and eventual destruction.
10  Loving money is the first step toward all kinds of trouble. Some people run after it so much that they have given up their faith. Craving more money pushes them away from the faith into error, compounding misery in their lives! 

1 Timothy 6: 9, 10

Money, as established in yesterday’s devotional, is neither evil nor holy. It is neutral. However, it has the power to amplify the contents of the heart. Money can also amplify the condition of poverty of the heart. There is a huge difference between money and prosperity. Money is material, while prosperity is the state of being. Money cannot make one prosperous. The apostle Paul spoke against the attitude of covetousness. Covetousness is an inordinate, excessive, or insatiable desire to possess wealth, possessions, or advantages that belong to others. It is often characterized by intense greed, jealousy, or a sinful longing for more than one needs.

The presence of money does not drive away covetousness, it amplifies it. Poverty can be recognized by a covetous attitude. This is the reason why the early apostolic church never preached things, but preached Christ who transformed the hearts of men. Jesus, Himself admonished the people to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and then all the less important things will be added.

33  “So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly.

Matthew 6: 33

By default, man is covetous. He is born into this world that is selfish driven and materialistic. Man does not need to be taught how to love money, but needs to be taught how to live a God-centred life. Man’s greatest struggle is in the area of materialism. Materialism does not only affect the haves, but also the have-nots. Materialism is the belief that having money and possessions is the most important thing in life.

Is it fine to have material things? Oh yes, it is. But one should not regard them as the most important things in life. The attitude toward material things should be filtered through the way God looks at the material world. God did not create the material world for man to dependent on it for identity. Adam and Eve chose to find identity in the created, instead of the creator. The love of money is an issue of identity crisis. It is when man turns to the created for identity.God is not against having material things, but is against loving material things.

17  To all the rich of this world, I command you not to be wrapped in thoughts of pride over your prosperity, or rely on your wealth, for your riches are unreliable and nothing compared to the living God. Trust instead in the one who has lavished upon us all good things, fulfilling our every need. 

1 Timothy 6: 17