“I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.”
Proverbs 8:17-18 NKJV
To prevent an inordinate desire for money, the subject of riches has been grossly misrepresented in some christian circles today. Some even go as far as refusing to own any expensive possessions, dressing shabbily, and passing off any opportunity to increase their income in life. Is this how we should view riches as believers?
Our anchor text helps us see that riches and honour are God’s. It goes on to qualify the riches as one that endures and flourishes in righteousness. So why should we think that we ought to be poor as believers? You see, it is important to God that we fully attain all that is possible in Him. This includes spiritual and material blessings. It is not a sin to be wealthy. In fact, it is God’s will that we prosper exceedingly in all our endeavours.
“Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.” – Psalms 112:1-3 NLT
This is God’s promise to those who fear the Lord— they will be wealthy and successful. You can also read Proverbs 22:4.
Yes, it is also true that we are warned against the love of money in Matthew 6:24 and 1 Timothy 6:9. Indeed, we cannot serve God and riches. We cannot love money more than God. When it comes to wealth, this is where we must draw the line. Our riches will be used for the purposes of God, not self. It will be directed towards the salvation of souls.
Instead of worrying about how riches can affect your love for God, think about how it can be used for the spread of the gospel. Remember Joseph of Arimathea, he was a rich man whose tomb was used to house Jesus’ body, otherwise, the body would have been thrown into the ground as only rich folks had money to build tombs in those days! So you see that riches is something we should detest.
This conversation has to be had as we consider our function as ambassadors for God in our world today. Money is used to fund evil projects that distract the mind of millions from the gospel. We have to counteract and supersede these projects; we need money to do so. This should fuel our desire for riches.
CONFESSION:
It is God’s will that I prosper in every area.
I abound in riches and honing, durable riches and righteousness.
I take care of the Lord’s business and He takes care of me.
Bible Reading Plan:
John 5:31-47, 1 Peter 2:9-17, Song of Songs 2, Jeremiah 47-48