Until It Hurts?

In what (who) do we trust? I mean really! What is it that we have really rested our dependence on? How stable and dependable is it?

As he addressed the subject of contentment in his first letter to Timothy, Paul stated. . .
"(9) But those who DESIRE TO BE RICH fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. (10) For the LOVE OF MONEY is a root of all kinds of evils. It is THROUGH THIS CRAVING that some have wandered away from the faith and PIERCED THEMSELVES WITH MANY PANGS." ( 1 Timothy 6:9-10 ESV)

Some have said, "GIVE until it HURTS." Such a statement seems to urge toward sacrificial giving. Most of what we give probably doesn't even come close to being felt because of the abundance out of which we give. However, there is a sense in which one can SAVE until it HURTS; hoarding away even to the doom of their soul. (note Luke 12:20-21) Paul noted how those who love money and long to be rich can end up piercing "themselves with many pangs." The New King James Version reads, "with many sorrows." Consider the fact there is only one letter difference between the words "MISER" and "MISERY"! How often has exactly that become the result?

Contrary to what many believe, money is not the key to happiness. LEARNING CONTENTMENT and experiencing the JOY OF GIVING to others is the key. Such a focus also keeps alive a spirit of thanksgiving for what one has and for the position to be able to share with others.

Having wealth -- in itself -- is not wrong as long as it is handled well and not allowed to take the place of TRUST IN GOD. However, the greatest thing we can BE RICH IN is "GOOD WORKS" ( 1 Timothy 6:18) to the glory of God and benefit of others. May we not bring hurt upon ourselves through a wrong perception of worldly wealth, but rather find the JOY of being good stewards with whatever God has blessed us.

Have a great day FEELING GOOD THROUGH GIVING WHILE TRUSTING GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Wealth