Money in and of itself is not bad. Many good people are wealthy and use their wealth for good. But a lot more people have their priorities mixed up and the acquisition of money becomes their top priority. At the loss of much more important things.
I think even heathens are familiar with the Scripture that states that the love of money is the root of all evil. To put that Scripture into context, I took the following excerpt from the Bible.
We read in The First Epistle of the Apostle Paul to Timothy; Chapter 6:
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 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.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life...
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. -- 1 Timothy 6: 5-12, 17-19 (Emphasis added)The apostle Paul warns that those who covet money have erred from the faith and are pierced with sorrow and drown in destruction and perdition. He goes on to warn those who covet after money to "flee these things and follow after righteousness".
Ultimately, the cost of the love of money is the loss of eternal life. Which is to say, the loss of exaltation in the Kingdom of Our Father in Heaven or in other words damnation. That's a pretty high price to pay for something you can't take with you.
That's my two cents.
"Supposing that gain is godliness" is exactly the attitude of some. I have had a few people look down on me, and make rude comments about what they think is a lack of success on my part- because I have made choices to serve, and put family and other people first, ahead of a worldly career and money. Luckily, I'm married to a guy who also puts God and family above the almighty dollar. This is for the readers, because you already know this, but for example-- my husband took a day off work to help my parents/sister when their dog died--we went with my Dad to the vet to support him at the death of his long time friend-- my husband dug a hole, and helped to bury their dog (which was an all day ordeal). Some people couldn't be bothered to help. In moneymonger worldly eyes we are failures. However, I see things quite the opposite. There are more important things than money in life.
ReplyDeleteI have seen very good people who have been financially successful- and I'm happy for them. They still prioritize God and family, and help others. Sadly, I have seen others who come into money and all the sudden the greed and the next dollar becomes more important to them than family and God. It's actually kind of tragic that some people feel their personal worth depends on the worth of their bank account and investments. They actually feel that the money makes them greater than they would be otherwise--and many feel that the money makes them greater than other people- and they put themselves on a pedestal.
Thanks for sharing the scriptures. "we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." Yep, they don't make a hearse with a luggage rack.