Read:

1 Timothy 6:9-10 “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money

is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Think:

John Steinbeck wrote a famous book called The Pearl. It’s the story of a poor pearl diver who dreams of finding the perfect pearl. One day, he actually finds it. The rest of the story unfolds how his once tranquil life turns into a growing nightmare as everyone else desperately tries to take his treasure from him.

Wealth and money are not evil, but the abuse of them can be wrong. Money is like a loaded gun; it can be extremely useful in certain situations, but you’ve got to use it carefully. Wealth can be a trap that leads to greed and selfishness, if we aren’t eternity-focused. Storing up riches for ourselves and failing to be rich toward God is a foolish and harmful way of life. Our focus needs to be on him and not the accumulation of wealth.

As followers of Christ, we must guard our hearts against the temptation to prioritize wealth above God. Instead, we should strive to be rich toward him by using our resources to serve others, generously giving to those in need, and supporting Kingdom work. When we put our trust in God and seek his kingdom first, he promises to provide for all our needs (Matthew 6:33).

Apply:

Thank God for your blessings. If you do not tithe, begin today!

Pray:

God, you have given me everything – my body, my brain, my occupation and my future. Help me to place you first and honor you with it all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.