“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 gives 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.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Being wealthy is not a sin. Being highminded and trusting in one’s wealth as the source of life and living is the sin. Some even suppose that Godliness is a source of financial gain and from such the Believer should turn away (1 Timothy 6:5).
The riches we are given by God should be used to help take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. As much as I love the United States the world does not need the US, they need God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; not Buddha, not Mohammed…they need Jesus!
“And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14
Treating the symptoms of sin is like putting a band-aid on the Hoover Dam. Such is the case with so many ministries who build schools and orphanages but do nothing to spread the Gospel of Jesus. Building schools and orphanages is a good thing, please don’t misunderstand. However, unless there is dominion of sin in the lives of the people, all of those “good works” profit the work of God nothing.
There is only one answer to sin’s dominion and that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came to die on Calvary’s Cross to pay the sin debt for whosoever will believe AND to break the power of sin in the Believer’s life and living (Romans 6:14). NOTHING man can do will break the power of sin in one’s life except child like faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Who gives freely victory over sin. First the church needs to get this and then the church needs to take this Gospel to the World.
“19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
If “Godliness” is a source of financial gain, you are laying up your treasures on earth. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Trust in the Living God, Who shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Jesus Christ is the Source and Calvary’s Cross the means by which all of our blessings come…not filthy lucre.
-Donna Clark Warren
Living in The Spirit 