Scripture reading: I Timothy 6:3–10

For the Love of Money

I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (Philippians 4:11)

Fewer people seem to be reading old books. Newer is truer and later is greater seems to be the trend. After all, what could we possibly learn from antiquated authors who wrote before the inventions of television, computers and automobiles?

C.S. Lewis called this way of thinking “chronological snobbery.” He urged people to read the old books and discover the treasures of wisdom they so often contain. He proposed a simple rule for every serious reader: “It is a good rule after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between.”

 

Let me share some wisdom I learned from an old book that has become dear to me. Jeremiah Burroughs (1599–1646) was a Puritan pastor in England, famous for the gentle and loving way he nourished his congregations through his preaching. Many of his sermons were published as books and are still in print today, including his most famous The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, a collection based primarily on Philippians 4:11. Those who are rich and prosperous in the things of this world have a fourfold burden, he says. He pleads to those who are tempted to envy the rich, “Think again.”

 

,. There is a burden of trouble. A rose may be beautiful, but it has prickles and thorns. And so those who crave to be rich pierce themselves with many pangs. (I Timothy 6:10)

,. There is a burden of danger. Just as honey draws bees and wasps, so prosperity draws Satan and all manner of temptations to sin. This is why Jesus warned, How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! (Mark 10:23)

,. There is the burden of duty. Those who have many possessions have great cares and anxieties, which often act like thorns which choke the word and destroy all spiritual vitality. (Matthew 23:22)

,. There is the burden of giving an account on the Day of Judgment. One day we will all stand before God, and each one will be asked to give an account of his stewardship. This is a burden for every man but especially so for those who have great possessions and wealth. For from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded. (Luke 12:48)

 

It is not money but our attitude toward money that threatens to destroy our souls! It is the love of money, not the possession of it, that has the capacity to bring spiritual ruin on everything and everyone we hold dear (I Timothy 6:10). Today, you may be living in poverty, but if you are envious of the rich, your very salvation is in jeopardy.

 

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (Psalm 73:2–3)

 

 

Adversity hath slain her thousand,

but prosperity her ten thousand. —Thomas Brooks

 

 

 

point to ponder • How difficult it is for the wealthy to enter heaven. There is only one cure for the love of money and coveting things we do not have: the precious jewel of Christian contentment!

 

prayer focus • For wisdom regarding the handling of your financial assets (savings, possessions, retirement plan, etc.).