TWC – The Word Connects: Connecting you to God and to one another … Saturday 10 May 2014
Paul tells us in 1Tim.6:10 – the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Jesus said, “”No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Mt.6:24) It is clear that money is a good servant but a terrible master. Though many of us know this, yet there are so many Christians who live like money is their god! We know that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, yet I have met so many believers who absolutely love money! Without any exception, the ones whom I have met who love money, they live a compromised Christian life. They also have problems with their spouses – very serious problems, to the point of divorce! I am not referring only to younger couples who are tirelessly pursuing money in order to live a better life, fighting over their spending habits and their devotion to money, but also retired couples who have millions of dollars in their bank accounts fighting over money issues! Money has the ability to create havoc in our lives if we let it. I have also met believers including church leaders who would do very ugly things because of their love of money. They can be very spiritual on the platform, but once they are off it, once they are back into the office, the horns appear. They are terrible Christian witnesses in the way they make business and how they negotiate with others. I have heard people say, “huh, are you kidding me, you mean my boss is a Christian?” In their pursuit of more money, parents often neglect their children. Even though the kids may grow up with all their material needs very well taken care of, they end up angry with their parents for not spending time with them. The absent father and/or mother is a huge problem in many families. The Apostle Paul tells us that “some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs!” The problem of Christians loving money is obviously not a modern day phenomenon. There were believers in the early church who were destroyed by their own love of money. So what is Paul’s instruction for us? He said in v.11-12, 17-19: First, flee from the love of money and instead, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Second, fight the good fight of the faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called. Third, command (not suggest) those who are rich not to be arrogant nor put their hope in wealth, instead to put their hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Fourth, command (not persuade) the rich to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share so that they may lay up treasure for themselves in heaven. The Word of God is very clear on this – rule over money and don’t let it rule over you, possess it and don’t let it possess you, control it and don’t be controlled by it. As you walk with God today, be careful never to let money dictate the way you live. Be careful not to love money or serve money, instead love God and serve Him. Let your desire be for more of God in your life. Have a great day!
Today’s Bible text: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1Tim.6:10)
Pastor Barnabas Chong
Aldersgate Methodist Church
revbarnz@gmail.com
Today’s recommended video: This is my desire … Click here for YouTube link
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