The Richardsons

“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.”

1 Timothy 6:10

Some people often misquote the Bible by saying, “Money is the root of all evil”.  However, this is not so.  Money is not a want, it is a need.  The LOVE OF MONEY is however the root of all evil.

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians wrote “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11  In 1 Timothy 6:6 it states “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” One of the keys to a life of peace, especially as a Christian is contentment.  You may not have all that you think you want but remember that God has promised to supply all you need.  “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

The choice to be or not to be contented is the one that determines the lives that some live and the corresponding actions of many.  My dad always told us not to be jealous, envious or covetous but to be thankful and contented.  You may see many changing cars frequently, building mega houses, and from head to toe may total about a thousand dollars, but you never know.

There is a prevailing problem in our territory and it is one of greed and covetousness.  Too many people are trying to not only “Keep up with the Joneses”  but to far surpass the Jones, at all cost and in the process are losing their integrity, and bringing themselves and their families to shame, not to mention helping to populate the local prison.  If it is not yours, don’t take it up and employees that includes office stationery.

But God is saying to all of us today that we need to be contented.  Now, being contented does not mean that you have to drive your 1980 Honda until it is practically falling to pieces and being a noise hazard when you drive it. It is not a sin to get a new vehicle, a new home, a wife, a husband, a business, a new wardrobe.  The important thing is not what you acquire but how you acquire it.  Be sure that what you obtain is by legal and honest means.  The Bible does not lie and in Numbers 32:23b it states “…behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.”

You see, God is the one keeping record, but sometimes unknown to you, so are the legal authorities.  God sees and God knows ALL THINGS.  Man may not know and man may not see the bribes, the thefts, the under the table deals, the forged documents but God sees and if you obtain things dishonestly or through illegal means it is just a matter of time before EXPOSURE and shame comes.

Do not sell your soul to the devil and lose your soul in hell, just to have money and own possessions.  Do not allow the almighty dollar bill to become your God.  It is not worth it.  It is not everything the glitters is gold and if you know an activity is illegal, unscrupulous and dishonest, no matter how much money is being offered or promised do not get involved in it.  No matter who all is getting away with it or has gotten away with it, you might just be the one who will not.  “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Act 17:30

Some people think that Christians are to be poor, live in small houses and drive old cars as an act of humility but that is un-scriptural and a wrong mindset.  The Word of God says in 3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth”.  In addition to that, God has made a promise to those who answer His call on their life and are obedient to him.  In St. Mark 10:29-31 it states “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”

However, the Bible warns against covetousness.  In St. Luke 12:15 it states “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.