| “They that WILL be rich fall into … many foolish and hurtful lusts” (1 Timothy 6:9). |
| “Charge them that ARE rich in this world, that they be not highminded (proud), nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God … That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” (1 Timothy 6:17-18). |
| The Word of God recognizes that there is a difference between those who desperately want to be rich, and those who happen to be rich because the Lord has given them a lot of money. Those who set out to be rich are usually people who somehow think that more money will make them happier, and because of this they devote their time, energy, and abilities toward making money. Sometimes they are very successful, but it is often like the verse in Psalm 106:15 — “He (God) gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” This happens even in a natural sense sometimes. We have already mentioned John D. Rockefeller, who was the wealthiest man in America in the early 1900’s. But by the time he was fifty years old, his health was poor, and he could not enjoy all his money. He could not eat properly, and most people expected him to die soon. But when he started to use his money for others, his health improved, and he lived to be a very old man. Why? He was not thinking of himself anymore. It is even more true of us who are Christians, for if we go after the things of this world, we will not enjoy our true riches. |
| However, the Bible recognizes that some Christians will be diligent in their business or other line of work and may well become rich. They have not set out to make money, but the Lord has allowed them to become wealthy. Then there is a much greater responsibility before God to use that money for Him. |
| First of all, we are not to trust in those riches, for wealth in this world is uncertain. Money can become much less through things like inflation, changes in government, and many other events. Rather, the Lord wants us to trust in Him, for He will never fail us. |
| Secondly, we are to use that money to help others, and not simply hoard it in a bank account or some kind of investment. If we look around, and especially in poorer countries in this world, it is not hard to find those who can use some help. Then we have the joy of giving in our hearts, for that is the character of God. God is a giving God, and when we give to others, we are being more like Him. |
| Perhaps you say, I am not rich. By this world’s standards, that may be true. But those of us who live in so-called western countries are all rich beyond the wildest dreams of most of this world’s population. We can well afford to use our money for the Lord. |
