What will be taken as contradictory gospel on riches and wealth has so much dominated the worlds of Christianity. Those supporting gospel of prosperities have gone too far, making it as if acquisitions of riches and wealth by any means is the ultimate of being Christians. Again, those in favour of gospel of poverty have made it looks as if doing things to bring money is a great sin in this world. Today’s devotional therefore, considered it wise to balance the two days’ devotional positions with Biblical views on riches and wealth. The Bible contains many scriptures which give God’s people the accepted right attitude towards riches and wealth. One David Kotter who wrote an article on Wealth and Riches” pointed at how riches and wealth ought to be used while comparing the Rich Youngman with Lydia who traded with purple clothes.
The story of the Rich Young Ruler showed one whose love of money and possessions blocked him from Jesus Christ and the noble task of helping the poor (Mark 10: 20 – 22). However the story of Lydia showed one who used her riches and wealth to worship the LORD with open heart by helping the needy (Acts 16: 14). The Bible gave instruction on how the rich and wealthy Christians are not to love money because the love of money has always created roots to all evil. Those who love money hardly do good things with their riches and wealth. Here, the Bible says the rich and wealthy Christians should do good works with their resources (1 Tim. 6: 17 – 18). The Bible warned against pursuing riches and wealth as this forces them to submit to vice of Mammon (Matt. 6: 24). The word “Mammon” here is translated from a Greek word with meaning of “treasures” or riches that are in opposition to God.
It is true that the Bible does not categorically condemn being rich and wealthy. However, the Bible condemned the love of money, riches and wealth. The spirit of love of money, according to Madeline Kalu, is “an inspiration to become rich” which has the capacity of ruining one’s life (1 Tim. 6: 7). The Bible though warns Christians in several places against allowing our hearts being overwhelms with the love of God; teaches us too to have right attitude towards riches and wealth. This right attitude is seeing riches and wealth as God’s gifts to us. We must know how to use them to bless others as well as using them for spreading the Ministries of God on the earth.
PRAYER:
LORD JESUS, the Bible says you are rich and wealthy but became poor by giving the riches and wealth to humanity. This shows that my riches and wealth are for helping others. I pray today that same grace is given to me. Let the world remember me for using my riches and wealth in right attitudes. Amen.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch