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But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9
D.L. MOODY
Think of Balaam. He is generally regarded as a false prophet, but I do not find that any of his prophecies that are recorded are not true; they have been literally fulfilled. He stepped over a heavenly crown for the riches and honors that Balak promised him. He went to perdition backward. His face was set toward God, but he backed into hell. He wanted to die the death of the righteous, but he did not live the life of the righteous. It is sad to see so many who know God miss everything for riches.
ERWIN LUTZER
We are raising a generation that feeds on greed; a generation driven by consumerism. Greed is a feeling of possessiveness, a feeling of entitlement that says, “This life is the only one that matters; I will put money above worship, and possessions above heavenly rewards.” Jesus said, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Luke 16:13).
Money makes the same promises as God: “I will be with you in good times and bad; in sickness and in health; when the economy is strong and when it tanks.” This deception is the reason why the New Testament warns against riches because with wealth comes temptation. We tell ourselves that we really don’t love money; we just think about it continuously and do all we can to get more of it. As Moody reminds us, Balaam was willing to sacrifice his eternal future for temporal wealth.
Let us be warned: The pursuit of money can easily dwarf our worship of God. It may make the same promises as God, but it cannot keep those promises.
PRAYER
Father, show me what we cannot see on my own; help me to repent of substituting the love of money with love for you.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How can you be more generous with your money?How has God provided for you throughout your life?