Right Attitude to riches
Richard W. De Haan once wrote about a wealthy man in Texas, who had the wrong attitude towards riches. A pastor went to the house of the rich man who had invested his money in lands and farms. The rich man received the pastor happily and took him around his house. When they went to the top of the house, the rich man said, “Twenty five years ago I had nothing. Now, as far as you can see, its all mine.”There were grain fields on one side. Turning to that side the rich man boasted, “All these grain fields are mine.” Then he turned to the east and showed to him herds of cattle and said, “They’re all mine.” Then pointing to the west he exclaimed, “That beautiful forest is also mine.” After bragging about his possessions, he turned to the pastor expecting him to compliment him for his success as a rich man. But the pastor placing one hand on the shoulder of the rich man and pointing to heaven asked, “How much do you have up there in heaven?” The man hung his head and confessed, “I never thought of that.” The rich man thought that life consisted in the abundance of the things he possessed and laid up treasure for himself in this world. He failed to invest treasures in heaven. Today, there are many Christians who are like this wealthy man. They want to become rich and they have wrong attitude towards riches. The Bible teaches clearly about riches and gives us clear instruction on the attitude that we should have on money.
- Never trust in riches
- It is uncertain:
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Tim. 6:17. - It will not redeem:
“Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.” Ps. 49:6, 7. - It will make others scorn:
“The righteous also shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, ‘Here is the man who did not make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.”‘ Ps. 52:6, 7.
- It is uncertain:
- Do not put your heart on riches:
“Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” Ps. 62:10. - Riches will not be forever:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” Matt. 6:19. - Flee from destructive riches:
“But you, O man of God flee these things (riches) and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness”. 1 Tim. 6:11 - Seek the things which are above:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Col. 3: 1,2. - Love of money is idolatry:
“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Col.3:5. - Lay treasures in heaven:
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matt. 6:19, 20. - It produces trouble:
“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble.” Prov.15:16. - It is unstable and fleeting:
“Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” Prov. 23:5. - Learn to be content:
“Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.”‘ Heb.13:5. - Do not give first place to riches:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matt. 6:33. - Handle riches faithfully:
“Moreover they did not require an account from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to be paid to workmen, for they dealt faithfully.” 2 Kings 12:15.
(Taken from True Discipleship, July 1997)