Love of Money
Good Morning,
Joshua 7 tells the story of Achan and Jericho. The city was to be dedicated to the Lord, yet Achan coveted clothing, silver, and gold, and he took those items against the clear command of God.
Oh, what grief we cause through covetousness. Achan did not only hurt himself, but he hurt his wife and children as well – they were all killed by his illicit love for money. 1 Timothy 6:10 tells the story clearly: "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."
In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul speaks of Demas, who left Paul and the ministry for a love of the world. "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world."
A Levite, one of the chosen of God, sold himself to be nothing more than a rented reverend just to gain economic security and stability:
Judges 17:10 "I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals."
Endless stories are told of the hurt caused by people who sought money. Whether it be gambling or crime (in hopes of easy wealth), or countless other violations of God's Word – all are acted upon through covetousness. The love of money will move us to shame and wrong, and our children will pay a severe price.
We all know of Naomi and her husband who left Israel and the will of God for better economic circumstances; what did they gain? Naomi returned ten years later, bitter and broken. Her children and husband were dead; what did she gain?
Ruth 1:20 "And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me."
Proverbs 23:4 warns against the passion for money: "Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom."
Solomon advised that those who seek wealth will end up allowing money to set their moral compasses: "...but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent." (Proverbs 28:20)
I have watched countless people violate clear Bible principles when their only reason was the possible gain of money. I have seen loved ones die, and family members, who were close, become bitter enemies over estates, even small ones.
Leaving children a heritage of diligence, Bible obedience, character, and a willingness to work hard and accept the pay they earn is far greater than any pile of cash we might provide for our children at our death.
Achan regretted his choices far more than he ever could communicate. Can you imagine his own horror as the people began to stone him and his family? His dear wife and children were pummeled with stones one after another all because of his love of money. Make it your passionate goal to never violate Scripture in hopes of financial gain. Plan your financial future around righteousness rather than covetousness.
I could go on and on telling stories and listing Scripture, but let me close with these warnings from the Lord:
Deuteronomy 23:6 “Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.”
Ezra 9:12 “... nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever.”
Ezra said that the way to leave an inheritance to your children was NOT to seek the wealth of the world.
We should not seek the prosperity or wealth of the world; it will hurt our children more than we can ever know. To make decisions based upon money is declaring money to be our “god." Allowing money to be the one to whom we bow and the one who determines where we live and what values we place on life and children is a terrible god to follow.
Matthew 6:24 “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Pastor