In our previous article, we established that the true measure is Christ Jesus because he is the epitome of God’s truth; justice; and honesty and to whom we will account for our deeds. We founded our conviction that Christ is our benchmark on the fact that 1Corinthians 10: 31 says whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. We said that according to Paul, we cannot be faithful unless God’s word dwells in us for Colossians 3 16-17 said, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… and whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.
Why must we keep honest standards?
Proverbs 16: 11 says honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. We do God’s will when we execute honesty and justice in our deeds using God’s instruments and standards. Cheating is a form of robbery, hence Psalms 62: 10 says put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them. Those of us who plan our lives on any form of robbery by dishonesty or cheating must therefore stop and confess to God. Wealth is transient, not permanent therefore it has no eternal value.
What is the lifespan of wealth?
Psalms 49: 10-13 read, when we look at the wise, they die; fool and dolt perish together and leave their wealth to others. Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they named lands their own. Mortals cannot abide in their pomp; they are like the animals that perish. Such is the fate of the foolhardy, the end of those who are pleased with their lot. Psalms 49: 16-20 state… For when they (the rich) die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down after them. Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy– for you are praised when you do well for yourself– they will go to the company of their ancestors who will never again see light. Mortals cannot abide in their pomp; they are like the animals that perish.
How does God see the rich and the poor?
God regards both rich and the poor equal hence cheating to be rich is not necessary. Job 34: 21-22 states “For his eyes are upon the ways of mortals, and he sees all their steps. There is no gloom or deep darkness where evildoers may hide themselves. We are warned in Proverbs 11: 28, those who trust in their riches will wither, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves. God wants us to be faithful and trust him for our sustenance without cheating, be it the norm or not. Proverbs 28: 20 says the faithful will abound with blessings, but one who is in a hurry to be rich will not go unpunished.
What is true or acceptable wealth?
Jesus also taught about the true measure of life. He said in Luke 16: 11-13 if then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches. And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?… You cannot serve God and wealth. Impliedly, we cannot claim to be honest and at the same time be dishonest.
Honesty is from God whereas dishonesty is from Satan and we cannot serve both masters with opposing doctrines as light or darkness respectively. 2Corinthians 6: 14 says for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness? We also read from 1John 1: 6 if we say that we have fellowship with him (Jesus) while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true.
What is the source of craving for money?
Scripture says in 1John 2: 16 for all that is in the world–the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches–comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever. Accordingly, Jesus said in Matthew 6: 33, strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. The route to acquiring wealth is the most crucial, not the end result. Jesus asked in Matthew 16: 26; Mark 8: 36, for what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life. Indeed, what can they give in return to their life?
We must not cheat nor be dishonest to become rich because it comes with its own challenges. Ecclesiastes 5: 12-15 say sweet is the sleep of labourers, whether they eat little or much; but the surfeit of the rich will not let them sleep. There is a grievous ill that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owners to their hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture; though they are parents of children, they have nothing in their hands. May we use the right and true approach to acquire money to glorify God.
Are there any dangers in loving money?
We read from 1Timothy 6: 10, for the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. This is God’s standard.
What is true in its purest form is Christ Jesus. He said in John 14: 6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. As the way and the truth and the life, he has admonished us about riches in Matthew 19: 23-24; Mark 10: 25; Luke 18: 25, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus was not condemning riches but the route to acquiring illicit wealth using evil means including unfaithfulness, dishonesty and cheating.
How should we use money?
When we are genuinely blessed, 1Timothy 6: 17-19 state, as for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. Tainted money cannot give real life.
What is our source of money? How do we use our money? How do we treat the poor and needy?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, keep us on the right path to success. Keep us away from the silliness of greed and in acquiring wealth. Help us to be true and honest and faithful in our deeds as your word of life demands so we may find comfort in you always. Forgive us of the illicit wealth we have acquired out of the suffering and sweat of others. Employ our wealth to further your kingdom in your holy name, Amen!!
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