Beware of Vain Worldly RichesSpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: The satan's ploy is to use the riches of the world to keep you away from God's salvation and His blessings. Do not seek the riches of this world heeding his voice. But seek first the kingdom of the Lord and everything shall be given to you. There are many things that we covet because of our eyes. One of them is wealth. Earthly riches are like a thorn in our lives. "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful" (Matthew 13:22).
Once, there lived a multi-millionaire named Rockefeller. When he began his career, his eyes were all the time roaming after money. Once he dispatched all his merchandise in a ship for a grand sale in a foreign country. Suddenly, the ship was caught in a storm. When he received the tragic news, he at once applied for insurance at the cost of hundred and fifty dollars. But, weathering the storm, the ship reached its destination quite safe. Rockefeller was not happy, when he heard that the ship reached its destination safely. Even though he had millions of dollars, he shed tears over having wasted hundred and fifty dollars in insuring the ship. So meticulous was he in managing wealth! He was obsessed in making money. He worked hard day and night and his obsession of making money resulted in a deadly disease in his body. He could not take in any food or drink. Doctors said that he could survive only on milk.
Today, many people are engaged in a mad race after money. They despise their parents and cheat the world. They have no respect for God. That is what the devil expects of them. He keeps telling them, "Only if you have a lot of money you will be respected and honoured. You will be praised by all and you can live with all comforts." As wealth increases, the devil makes them discontented with what they have. He entices their eyes by suggesting newer methods of amassing wealth and leads them far away from God.
A rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16). Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me" (Matthew 19:21). Perhaps, he wondered whether he should give all his wealth to the poor and live as a beggar. The Scripture says, "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions" (Matthew 19:22).
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 1:2)
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17)
People should not put their trust in uncertain wealth, but in the living God. He gives us riches in abundance. Lord Jesus tells us, "My beloved children, do not set your eyes on the riches of this uncertain and unreliable world. Do not set your hearts on the wisdom of this sinful world. Set your eyes on Me. I will give all things for you to enjoy. You will be blessed here on earth and in the kingdom of heaven above."
That is why St.Paul says, "that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:2,3).
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Lord Jesus who was abounding in riches, become poor for our sake. Through His poverty, we have become rich. Jesus does not want us to be poor. It is His desire that we should be blessed abundantly.
"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it" (Proverbs 10:22). St. Paul speaks of Christ, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3).
Youth children seek wisdom only to study more and more. But they seldom realise that, "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness" (1 Corinthians 3:19). When you set your eyes on Jesus, He grants you the true riches of His wisdom.
I have received God's bounteous blessings in my personal life. I have received the highest academic degree that the world can give at a very young age. Further, I have been to several foreign countries all over the world to preach the Gospel. I am honoured wherever I go. Though I am quite young, the Lord has trusted me with a big ministry. He has given me power over the devil and the diseases it brings. God has given me all the blessings and has exalted me.
My dear friend, do you desire to know this Jesus and His power and be filled with Him? First, come out of the devil's domain and enter the gates of the heaven. He has kept great blessings in store for you. You can boldly say with the Psalmist, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7). The Lord will bless and exalt you.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
In order to attain the worldly riches, fame and power, I have slighted Your commandments and Your living Word. Father, forgive me. Help me to remain grateful to You. Help me not to give first priority to the riches of this world and its relationships. Grant me the grace to seek first Your heavenly kingdom in my life. In Jesus wonderful name, I pray.
Amen. |