I don’t normally watch TV preachers. I tend to not like a lot of what I see (at least what is on in my area). But, last night I was flipping channels and stumbled on someone who was saying something that caught my attention.
He made a great point based off of the below verse:
1 Timothy 6:9-11
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
This is written to those who don’t have money as much as those who do.
The bible says that Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. God knows our thoughts and motivations behind every action we take. People, on the other hand, do not, but they like to think that they do. It is easy to look at someone with a lot of money and judge them quoting the above verse. But we will NEVER know their heart.
But, some people who don’t have much money, who would probably never be judged by PEOPLE for being in love with money, could be completely guilty in God’s eyes of lusting after wealth.
The truth is, I have known people who didn’t have much money who would have done anything to get money. They would lie, steal, cheat, and hurt anyone who got in their way just to get money. This is a condition of the heart. We all know that there are many rich people who behave exactly the same way. If they did it when they were poor, they will do it when they are rich.
I have also known millionaires who spent most of their time trying to bless others. They were moral role-models who did not make their decisions based on how it would affect them financially, but by what would be pleasing to God. Not being God, I can’t know for sure the condition of their heart, but from seeing their behavior I can safely assume they were not those being described in the verse above.
Be Content.
The TV preacher I saw last night was telling a story about how he had not worked in over a year, had no income and in the middle of that situation God started to show him that he had a materialism issue to deal with. The guy argued with God saying, “I don’t have any money, how can I be materialistic?” He quickly realized that (1) God wasn’t wrong and he did have an issue. (2) That his materialism was tied to his discontentment.
The apostle Paul talked about how he learned how to “abase and abound” – how he could live in high times and low times. He had figured out how to be content with whatever he had. He understood that God was his supply and that God would meet his needs. He understood that if he sought the Kingdom of God first that the “things” would follow.
Once we break free from the mindset that “life will be so much better when…” we will truly be free. God wants us to be content NOW. He doesn’t want us to wait until our circumstances change for the better to be content…
Hebrews 13:5
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU
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Good post – i linked to it on my blog this morning. God bless!
@Pete
Great – I am glad you enjoyed it and thanks for linking to it!!
Good post. When I start “loving my money” I also remember Haggai 2:8. Or I look for ways to use it to further His Kingdom rather than mine.
Good post Bob, I like your reading of the Bible.
This is really awesome. I was just thinking today at work about the things we do for money. People lying on their time sheet just for the extra money. I believe is good that we experience a moment of lack in our lives. it helps us to resist the temptation of allowing the love of money to control us. It helps us to learn to be content and trust God in every situation. God bless you and continue being a vessel He can use to bless others. Peace…….
I was impressed with the article, ” Are You Free From The Love Of Money ? ” I`ve heard so much preaching about money and how to get it, I`ve become kind of “BITTER” toward those who talk about it so much. But I realize after reading your article, that I should`t be so judgemental. Since that`s a touchy subject with me I could fall into error myself, without even realizing it. I don`t have alot of money, so it`s easy for me to point out the evils of money to those who do. I accept the fact that people don`t need to be rich to be greedy. As long as we`re honest with ourselves and God, we won`t be corrupted by money or what it can do for us.