Leadership: Without Loving $
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 6:10 (NKJV)
Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!
Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT)
I have a wealthy friend who loves Jesus. She’s a hard worker and lives a big life. When we discussed prosperity preachers, she proclaimed: “God wants us to be wealthy, so other people will want what we have...”
At the time, I was a new believer and too surprised to know how to respond. I disagreed then. I disagree now. “Having wealth” and “putting wealth on display” are dramatically different things.
SIDEBAR: I don't think well-used riches are evil. Recall Joseph of Arimethea, Nicodemas, and “well-heeled” Joanna. They used their wealth wisely. They helped Jesus. BUT “loving” riches is misplaced affection, and showing off “treasures” can lead to harm. Recall Hezekiah, whose great display of wealth led to Jerusalem’s ruin.
Yes, beautiful stuff can inspire envy, but is it the envy to be with God? Or is it envy for worldly riches? Many studies suggest it's the latter.
Consider a logical follow-up. If the Lord blesses faithful followers with abundance (in the form of riches), does that mean cash-strapped Christians are less loved?
Then what about the BIG losers, like Job? Did he displease God? Job's friends thought he did, but the reverse was true!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
The only “show and tell” you need to play is showing off Jesus by how you live. Since He chose to model a simple life, we’re always wisest when we copy Him!
One clear conclusion? Our Father’s promise of prosperity isn’t defined by the standards of men.*
In His Son’s Own Words: 'Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also' (Matthew 6:19-21).
Two more things:
Don't seek fame (or wealth) as “proof” of success. Sadly, it’s what children today most want. But you’re not a child in faith-based wisdom, and fame (wealth) isn’t really a treasure. A better way to describe both? FOOL’S GOLD!
Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Your talent, path, and timing are unique! Don't jump in the pit, called “people-pleasing”. People are FICKLE, and that’s not your job. Instead, seek to please God for TRUE blessings.
Leaders are held to the highest standard. If you're not rich in Christ, the rest means nothing.
Leadership: Without Loving $ (Part 27)
* The riches God promises are better than man's riches. They are enduring. Grand houses, cool cars, handy gadgets, and great clothes can hardly be called 'enduring.'
'Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,
And my yield better than choicest silver' (Proverbs 8:18-19)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!