Hosanna Restoration Church

It is interesting that some believe that you should not have much in the way of the riches of this life. After all money is evil! No, that is not what scripture says, it says that the love of money is evil. Of course you have heard this before, but it is worth mentioning again. Really, if God wanted everyone poor, why has He always told us to give? How can you give if you have nothing.

If we look at what the scripture really says, I think that we could say that God is warning us against making riches our source of happiness. They can fail, but God never will. They will not go with us into eternity. They are only good for now. And I do mean they are good for now. Christians need to prosper! How else will the gospel be supported?

When I read about Matthew the tax collector being called to follow Jesus, I thought that his addition to the ministry was good thing for everyone concerned. I am sure that Jesus did not ask him to throw all his money away. He probably had lots of opportunities to help people and to support the work of the ministry.

The next verse goes on to say, “what sorrows await you who are satisfied and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger is before you.” As Christians, we know that there is no true satisfaction or prosperity without the Lord Jesus. People who think they are ok without Him are in for a time of sorrow. Still that does not mean that God does not want His people to prosper and to be satisfied with His good things. After all, Scripture does say that we should prosper and be in health even as our souls prosper.

As we keep reading we are warned about laughing carelessly. People get careless with their lives. I know I did. I thank God daily that He granted me the opportunity to change my sorrow into dancing. Then he talks about being praised by crowds. When we seek our fulfillment from man we are in for a big jolt. And when we give our praise to men or to systems made by men, sorrow only begins to cover what awaits.

There are, for sure, many miserably rich people, who are wondering why riches do not satisfy. But it is not the riches that do it, it is the lack of God. It is the idea that riches could replace God, that will lead to a great deal of sorrow.

If you just read on in Luke chapter six, you will see that Jesus begins to teach about loving enemies, and blessing those who curse and hurt you. He also tells us to do good and to lend, and to give. If He intended that we have nothing, how could He then tell us to give.

May God help us all to keep His word and His riches in proper perspective. And may we bring glory to Him with our giving of all that we have to give.