November 2
TEN DANGEROUS POSSESSIONS
(GROWING UP IN GOD)
#9 RICHES WITHOUT SHARING
According to Bill Britton:
-"The power to get wealth is in the hand of the Lord. The Bible warns us much about being greedy of filthy lucre.
It tells us to withdraw ourselves from those who suppose that gain is godliness (that is, having plenty is a sign of holiness,
life, and the favor of God). We read that the love of money is the root of all evil, and that coveting after money will pierce
us through with many sorrows. They that will be rich fall into temptations and a snare. All this makes it sound like money
is a bad thing. Yet it seems that everyone continues to want more of it. Having riches is not bad, if you know how to use
them to the glory of God. But a covetous or greedy spirit will not allow you to share your riches with others. And riches
can be a dangerous possession unless there is sharing according to the direction of the Spirit." ( Ten Dangerous Possessions,
Bill Britton )
-The apostle Paul taught on the importance of giving in 2nd Corinthians 9:6 when he said, …
He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according
as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver … As well,
Romans 12:8 tells us that there is a ministry of giving. What is this ministry of giving? It is an attitude of being willing
and ready to give of your riches, doing the best you can at all times, being led by the Spirit of God as to where to direct
your giving. This is to be done in love with a cheerful heart and not with a grudging attitude as though you were paying money
to a bill collector.
-The book of James speaks very strongly concerning those that heap treasure for themselves for selfish reasons.
James 5:1-3 states, … Go to now, you rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches
are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 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. You have heaped treasure together for the last days …
-It is quite obvious that the Lord is NOT PLEASED WITH A SELFISH ATTITUDE AS FAR AS RICHES ARE CONCERNED. He
is not pleased with those who heap treasure together with no intention of sharing their riches with others. The very reason
that the Lord gives certain people power to get wealth is that they will share their riches with others. Let us be careful
to remember that …
-THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL!-
