13/05/11

If rich be more careful

1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.


It is sad that many Christians measure their blessings according to the financial blessings they have. This is exactly what the Heathens believe in; they think if the gods are happy with them, they will be blessed with wealth, fame and prosperity of this world.

When Jesus said it is more difficult for a rich man to enter Heaven then for a camel loaded with goods to enter the narrow city gate (eye of the needle) which was like a tax check point, all around Him including His own disciples were astonished.

Paul in this very letter to Timothy and in the same paragraph points out to the fact that those who are rich are more likely to fall in more temptation and traps which lead to foolish and harmful desires and will further lead them to be ruined and destroyed.

Understand it is not a sin to be rich but if God has blessed you with riches it is important that you are stronger spiritually to handle the riches. As today's message instructs us not to be high-minded and trusting on our riches, meaning we should not think we are better off than the others and never ever think our money will get us out of problems always. Ask the families of the millionaires and billionaires whose members have died due to critical diseases at young ages, if their money could help them?

God also does not want us to be beggars, He commits in His Word that He will provide us all our needs such that we will not be lacking in any area of our lives. He not only gives us sufficient but always some extra to bless others who are far from Him and suffering, so that they may see Him in us and come to Him.

Today's message instructs us to be rich spiritually by doing good and to be rich in good works. The difference between the two is the first is concerning ourselves and the latter towards others.

We always look at how much money we have in our pockets or in our bank balance but how many of us look at how much spiritual assets we have? How much have we grown in the Fruit(s) and gifts of the Holy Spirit? How much of the harvest the Lord has given us have we really reaped? Do not look at the quantity but the proportion of the quantity given.

With regards to doing good unto others, people normally think by just giving they have done good. Understand our giving always does not do good, but at times may do more harm than good. So we must give or help others with concern, understanding, wisely and abundantly.

Nothing of the riches of this world we are going to take with us when we leave this world, but our spiritual riches we will surely take. So let ask ourselves, are we going to leave with empty pockets or with abundance?


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord, You are God and the creator of the whole world. The riches of this world are just dust for You. Nothing of this world can please You. You are Spirit and your world which is the Spirit world is real and true. Your world is made of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit and with precious spiritual things. Lord, help us realize as far as we are in this temporary world You will provide for us all our needs and even use us to be a vessel to bless others in their needs. Lord, help also realize how much we are really rich spiritually and help us add unto our spiritual assets in leaps and bounds...

This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scripturesr ]
1 Timothy 6:7-12
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 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.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 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.

Mark 10:23-30
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)