In this daily Bible reading the writer, who I believe is Paul, continues to give the people guidance on how to live and conduct their lives. Of particular note to me this morning is the following passage: “Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have.”
Money is not the problem. Love of money is the problem. The Bible says, “The love of money is a root of evil.” The love of money will lead us away from God. The Bible also says that you can love either money or God. You cannot love both and serve two masters.
Becoming rich and prosperous is not a sin. However, focusing our lives on our wealth and dedicating our lives to protecting it is a sin. We must rather have the attitude that ‘the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.’ We must not set our hearts on our wealth and possessions. Rather, we must set our hearts on the Kingdom of God and lay up treasure that will get us to Heaven.
Jesus told his disciples, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into Heaven.” This is a very sobering statement. Becoming rich makes it more difficult to live a life honored by God. We must therefore be content with what God has given to us in our lives.
We should also be very generous, giving freely to those in need, especially family members. The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver. The Bible also says that God will bless those who give freely and generously. This is true. Trust Him.
