We are warned about the love of money by Paul, when he wrote to Timothy, of which he said, “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. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:10-12) Money is only temporary, but the love of God is permanent. That is why so many people die and go to hell when they are rich, for they loved their money more than God. Being rich isn’t the problem, it is when people love their wealth, and their possessions, and have little to do with God because of it. What is even more sad is that people in need, which they see on a weekly basis are ignored. They could give money or assistance in some sort to them but walk right past them. This happens on the streets with homeless people holding signs, in supermarkets, with people having a hard time paying for their groceries, in restaurants, with people who can’t pay their bill. Their money was too important to give away to anyone in need.
James also taught further about what happens when people love money more than God. It is written, “go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.” (James 5:1-5) Everything we have gained in this life will eventually grow old and rust away. These treasures never last, even with our children. Your pleasures in them are for naught, if you have left God out of it. Therefore, people in this state that are rich and without God, they need to cry out and weep in all their confessions to God. There is forgiveness in the Lord, but after this life, people who never repented will be forever weeping in hell and the lake of fire. So get right with God while you still have time. The Lord is waiting.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that I will never learn to love money more than You. I’ve had many opportunities to better my employment over the years and I am sad to say that some of these decisions have been because of the money I’d gain. And what did I do with the money I earned? For the most part, it was spent on frivolous things that I never really needed. I am so sorry God. Forgive me. Like it says in the Bible, these things didn’t even last over time, where people in need suffered because of my dumb choices. I could have given to them, but I didn’t. Thankfully, I have learned to be more content with my current job. It may not pay as well, but the people are wonderful. I have enough money for the family and to give to people in need. I can share the gospel with co-workers and not be ridiculed because of my beliefs. My employer and co-workers are wonderful. Thank You, God. This employment opportunity was surely governed by You, God. I may have to drive long distances, but it is worth it. You have made me content in my later years. Money is not everything in this life, but enjoying what I do while also making You be a part of it, is the best thing ever. Help me and others to not fall victim to the grips of money. You are greater than all the money in the world. I love You more than what I can gain in this life. Amen.
