Overcome Your Love of Money

OVERCOME YOUR LOVE OF MONEY

"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" (1 Timothy 6:10; Capital Emphasis Added).

My dear Brother or Sister in Christ, MONEY is one of the most "unsatisfying of all possessions" at this end of the world. It takes away some cares, no doubt; but it brings with it quite as many cares as it takes away. There is trouble in getting it. There is anxiety in keeping it. There are temptations in using it. There is guilt in abusing it, and there is sorrow in losing it. Two thirds of all the conflicts, quarrels, and lawsuits in the world, arise from one simple cause - MONEY!

Money certainly is one of the most "tempting and heart-changing" of all possessions. It seems desirable at a distance but often proves a poison when in your hand. You can never possibly tell the effect of money upon your soul, if suddenly you gain a large amount of it!

Overcome your love of money at this end of the world. For MONEY Achan brought defeat upon the armies of Israel, and death upon himself (Joshua 7:20 - 26). For MONEY Balaam sinned against God in his dealings with the children of Israel (Numbers 22:15 - 17). For MONEY, Delilah betrayed Samson to the Philistines (Judges 16:18). For MONEY, Gehazi lied to Naaman and Elisha, and became a leper (2 Kings 5:21 - 27). For MONEY, Ananias and Sapphira became the first hypocrites in the early Church, and lost their lives (Acts 5:1 - 10). For MONEY, Judas Iscariot sold Christ, and ruined himself eternally (Matthew 26:14 - 16). Surely, these facts speak loudly for themselves!

Do you have money at this end of the world? Then "WATCH OUT! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Your life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions" (Luke 12:15; Capital Emphasis Added). Remember you are carrying an extra weight in your race towards heaven. I am sure nothing has such a tendency to ruin you eternally as the possession of money.

No doubt, it is possible for the rich to be saved as well as others. With God nothing is impossible. Job, Abraham and Joseph were all rich, and yet they walked with God in integrity. But oh, be careful! For we are told that MONEY IS A GOOD SERVANT, BUT A BAD MASTER. Use it wisely, and let that saying of our Lord that it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (see Mark 10:23) continually sink down into your heart!

If you have little or no money, remember that such a condition does not make you a saint. Ask strength from the Lord to be faithful in the little things of life. Moreover, do not envy those who are richer than you. PRAY FOR THEM. Pity them. Be kind to their faults, and remember that high places are unsteady places. Don't be too hasty in your condemnation of their conduct; perhaps if you had their difficulties you would do no better yourself. My dear Sister or Brother, beware of your "love of money" at this end of the world; for it is the "root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10)!

Paul Fonsi