Money

money

• sGreed brings trouble (Proverbs 15: 27)-Proverbs 15:27 (KJV) He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

When a person allows greed to take over their lives, it starts to consume you; and is the cause of many sins and crime for people of all ages, nations, and walks of life.  So, of course, greed is not fitting for any Christian.  We must be careful not to give greed a place in our lives, ever.  It is a greater blessing to be able to give, than to receive.  This does not mean that if you should reject a gift given to you from someone out of the kindness of their hearts; or if you have a need you cannot receive assistance in life, what it means is that as a Christian you should be happy to help and give to others; not just to receive assistance and gifts for yourself all the time.  We should not be selfish.

• Do not make money the most important part of your life (Matthew 6: 19)-Matthew 6:19 (KJV) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

What this bible verse is saying is that we should not put money above our God.  God should take priority in our lives not wealth.  Too many people are preoccupied; and concerned with financial gain and financial prosperity, and they are blinded in that they forget where their real fortune lies.  Material things are temporary.  This world and life we live is only temporary.  Material things break, they rot away; many times are stolen and taken from our possessions.  Our main focus as Christians should be on our true treasure; eternal life with God our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ and the plan and purpose He has for our lives while we live here on earth.  And how we can be a part of His plan to Help on earth while we live and save lives and souls from hell by sharing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

• Money can distract people from God (Mark 10: 17-24)-Mark 10:17 (KJV) And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?  Mark 10:18 (KJV) And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.  Mark 10:19 (KJV) Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.  Mark 10:20 (KJV) And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.  Mark 10:21 (KJV) Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.  Mark 10:22 (KJV) And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.  Mark 10:23 (KJV) And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!  Mark 10:24 (KJV) 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!

What this passage is saying is that as good a person as you can be, if you allow money to be your master you cannot please the one and living GOD.  A person that is so focused on increasing their wealth will undoubtedly neglect their soul and spiritual welfare because of it.  Too often are their days consumed with planning, organizing, and monitoring their money; that they forget to, or are unable to give time to the one true God and His Spiritual wealth and health for their hearts, minds, bodies, spirits and souls.  The LORD has so many blessings that He wants to pour out on us if we allow Him to.  Again, they are so consumed by it that they only wish to increase this material wealth and don't even care about their own spiritual welfare or for others that may have need; it could be a family member, neighbor, or other community need.  So they cannot please God, because God calls us to help others, not only to think of ourselves.

• You cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16: 13)-Luke 16:13 (KJV) No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

If you love God, and want to live forever with Him in heaven, then you will have to live your life on earth to please Him.  You must fully dedicate your life to Him.  This does not mean that you cannot earn money to care for yourself, or your family; what this means is that you should not focus all your attention on only material gain.  If you make God your master; He will bless every area of your life in that all your needs will be met.  Anyone who serves God will be so blessed spiritually that they never go without.  The LORD loves us and wants our eyes to be opened to the fact that He should come first in our lives.  We should have a good relationship with God, in prayer, meditation, reading scripture, fasting for spiritual strength, congregating at Church; and helping wherever we can.  

• Christians should share their resources with those in need (Acts 2: 42-45)-Acts 2:42 (KJV) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  Acts 2:43 (KJV) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  Acts 2:44 (KJV) And all that believed were together, and had all things common; Acts 2:45 (KJV) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

What this is saying is that if you're ever in a position that you see there is a need for food in your Brother or Sister's life; or  lives, and you have the ability to help them with food, or money, or if you have belongings that can be sold; for example (a T.V. bike, computer, etc. that you do not use) or in even more extreme cases; you can sell your things and give to them for food.  Starvation is one of the saddest things to suffer in life.  

• Christians should not be lovers of money (1 Timothy 3: 3)-1 Timothy 3:3 (KJV) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

The LORD does not want His Children to be lovers of money in that they commit sins and crimes to gain it.  In this verse, you can see that the LORD does not want us to be drunkards, violent and fighting; attacking others, greedy, or wanting after other's belongings.  We should practice peace and patience with one another; and be humble before our God.  

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

We should be more concerned with spiritual security as Christians; not being arrogant; trusting in material wealth; but trusting in God who will bless every area of our lives.  We should concern ourselves in spiritual preparation for trying times that are upon us and yet to come.  We do not want to allow these hard times to rob us of our sanity or salvation so we should be preparing for the LORD's return.

• Do not love money (Hebrews 13: 5)-Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

What this is saying is that we should be humble; and content with the provisions that the LORD has given us; not wanting other's money, possessions.  We should be happy with everything the LORD has blessed us with.  The LORD promised not to leave or forsake us.  So we should have this security.

• Be careful to treat rich and poor equally (James 2: 1-9)-James 2:1 (KJV) My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.  James 2:2 (KJV) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; James 2:3 (KJV) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: James 2:4 (KJV) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?  James 2:5 (KJV) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?  James 2:6 (KJV) But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?  James 2:7 (KJV) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?  James 2:8 (KJV) If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: James 2:9 (KJV) But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

What the LORD is trying to tell us is that we should not treat rich people better than we treat poor people.  All lives matter.  All lives deserve the same respect.  Just because someone has material wealth; that does not mean that we should give them more consideration.  They should be offered a seat in the same manner.  This is considered evil to God.  We are all of equal importance to God.  And many times it is the rich that oppress those who are not as fortunate financially.  When we favor the rich; we are hurting ourselves spiritually because one day we will be judged by God for this.  They blaspheme God's name many times.  (You hear them saying "God D*****d it" etc..).  God wants us to love our neighbors the same way we love ourselves.  We should love everyone we cross paths with in the same way we love ourselves, and our family.  We should do well to one another.  But, if we discriminate against poor people; we are sinning.  And we are transgressing God's Laws/Commandments to those who love HIm.  We cannot honor God like this.

I hope this study helps you to remember how to honor God with respect to money and favor to those who have it.  We should love all people regardless of their possession of it; and most of all we should love God before money.  He should be proud about our attitudes towards money and one another.  May God continue to bless you all and your loved ones.. until the next study..