THE GOOD SIDE OF WEALTH
Read: 1st
Chronicles 4:9-10, (KJV)
9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his
mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that
thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might
be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve
me! And God granted him that which he requested.
Bible in one year: Jeremiah
22:11-24:10, Psalms 50:1-15
MESSAGE
Wealth
is generally interpreted as the abundance of goods or money. However, Biblical
reference to wealth is always within the framework of economic, social,
cultural, spiritual and political settings of the people. Therefore, terms such
as ‘rich’ and ‘poor’ are relative to the context in which they are used in the
Bible. Wealth is mostly attached to people or nations but the Bible also
mentioned wealthy individuals such as Abraham, Job, David, Solomon, the Queen
of Sheba, etc. The New Testament Bible occasionally mentioned wealthy
individuals such as Joseph of Arimathaea, the rich man in Luke 16:1, Cornelius in Acts 10,
Prisca and Aquila, etc. Open Heavens 5 September 2016:- The Good Side of wealth.
However,
positive references to wealth are few in the Bible; references to personal
wealth almost always carries some negative implication. Many statements of
Jesus could be viewed as unfair criticisms of wealth. In Mark 10:23-25, He said it is
extremely difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. In Mark 4:19,
He said the quest for wealth chokes God’s Word. Matthew 6:24 and some other
Scriptures says, one cannot serve God and Mammon. In Luke 21:1-4, a poor widow is
more generous than rich people. 1st Timothy 6:10 declares that the
love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. To wrap it up, Luke 6:24
concludes by saying “woe to you who are rich”. Revelation 3:17:18 says; 5
September 2016 open heavens
“Because thou sayest, I am rich,
and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou
art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to
buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment,
that thou mayest be clothed….”
However,
there is a good side to wealth, having material prosperity or being wealthy is
not a ticket to hell after all. God has created an abundance of good things for
human enjoyment, but those who have material wealth should understand the true
nature of earthy riches and acknowledge God as the source of all blessings.
Hence, riches should be thankfully received, and Christians must value Heavenly
riches more than earthly wealth. Those that are wealthy in this world must be
generous to the poor and ensure that their hearts are not set on their wealth.
Finally, in appreciation to God for His blessings, they should devote their
riches to God’s service by sponsoring the gospel and the work of the ministry.
Prayer Point
Father, please send poverty
far away from me and make me a divine treasure.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional, written by Pastor E.A
Adeboye
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