10For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." 1 Tim 6:9-10
Not just the gold seekers who pierce themselves with many sorrows, but they are a fine example of bad living.
'people who long to be rich'-that is, rich in this world's treasure.
Christians, those belonging to Christ are, according to Romans 8:17, co-heirs with Christ of EVERYTHING.
" 17And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering."
So, if we inherit everything, why should any Christian 'long to be rich' in this world's casino?
I lived in Vegas for years, and I can tell you that the glitz and glamour of Sin City is founded on the idea of promising riches whilst emptying your pockets.
My boss once said, "Las Vegas wasn't built on the backs of Winners."
So, this world system which promises riches will glitz your eyes, sell you their fools gold and laugh at you as you try to become 'rich'.
Soft sell, hard sell, fear sell, sex sell. Whatever bait the world tries to hook you with, you don't have to take the bait, and you don't have to pierce yourselves with many sorrows.
So, WHY? Why do Christians take the bait?
Ego. Stubbornness. Rather go our own way than go with God.
But God, 'who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.'
God has been dealing with stubborn egotistical knuckleheads forever, so you might as well save yourself some pain and heartache by returning to Him, begging the Forgiveness you desperately need...and He will Forgive.
He forgave me when I was that knucklehead.
Right at the cusp of becoming a Christian, one of the verses which tore me up was
Mark 8:36 "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?"
I was a poor sailor, but I realized at that time that even if I were the richest man in the world, it would only count on this side of eternity. But my soul is forever.
Give up the ego. Trust that God has more riches for you than this world could ever offer, AND...be safe and rich for eternity. Wonderful.
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My sister might be the only one who recognizes the chest pictured above-it was in our home for many, many years, and now it sits in my home.
It came over from Sweden or Norway 130 or so years ago, and at that time it may have held all the life treasure of an immigrant family.
Now it holds blankets.
Our true treasure is waiting for us in Heaven, and when Christ returns, He will set up His Kingdom, and we will be here on earth in Blessings.
How cool is that?
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