The Love of Money vs. The Pursuit of Christ

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” ~1 Timothy 6:6-10 NKJV

As we strive to walk with Christ, yet still live in this world, there are certain snares that will entrap up if we are not aware. The love of money is one of those traps. Money and wealth of itself is not evil. Money is a great servant. It can be used to provide food and shelter for your family and even further the Gospel. However, money is a terrible god. If money is our pursuit, this pursuit will make our lives miserable. How many times have we seen the pursuit of money bring evil- in a family torn apart, in a crooked leader or politician.

A popular doctrine in Ephesus was that God wanted Christians to be rich. This is a doctrine that is even preached today. As a new Christian, I heard a pastor preach that as the King’s kids, we were supposed to be wealthy. Nothing could be farther from the truth. True riches come from knowing God.

Think about those among us, even those with celebrity status who have the most money. Often these people are the most miserable. Money will never satisfy. It is here one day and gone the next. Money is not the goal and aim of the Christian life, money is temporary. God does not need money to work in our lives and the lives of others. God gives us faith and that faith, not money, can move mountains.

“I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” ~Matthew 17:20

Much more powerful than money is faith. Do you have an expectation that God is going to move on your life as you reach out to Him and live wholeheartedly for Him? Ask the Lord to give you faith. He promises to provide for your needs. He wants you to work diligently to provide, not to be lazy. However, accumulating wealth alone should never be the ultimate goal. Be filled with Christ, whose riches are eternal. Not for money, whose glimmer fades away in moments.

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” ~ Romans 11:33

These are the riches worth pursuing. Knowing Christ will bring you contentment and fulfillment that will last far into eternity. Our best life is not only now. Our best life is hidden in Christ, whether rich or poor. Your best life is hope in Christ, both now and forever. If you live only for money, at the end of your life, it will all be a waste.

God does not need or want money; God needs you- your time, your pursuits, your hopes, you. Trust that He will provide for your needs as you live diligently and in godliness. You could have nothing, but food, clothing and Jesus and you will have everything that you need.

Blessings,
Robert Furrow