The Love of Money

* 1 Timothy 6:3-10 NKJV

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, [4] he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, [5] useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourse [6] Now godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. [9] But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For 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.

There are many truths in much of the teachings concerning faith and provision being taught these days, which many refer to as prosperity teaching however, please be careful. Many, as stated on the scripture above, have twisted God's word for profit giving Christianity and God's word a bad rep.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 NKJV

A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry; But money answers everything.

I'm sure many of you have heard the phrase, "I have my mind on my money, and my money on my mind, and, Get rich or die trying." You must admit that without money you can't eat, pay rent or mortgage, or buy clothes. These are the essentials of life and you know you want a little more than just the essentials. Is that a sin? No. The sin comes into play when we want more than what is necessary like the first statements in this paragraph. When you HAVE to have a five hundred thousand dollar home but you can only afford a hundred thousand dollar home. The same with a vehicles, clothing, jewelry and much more. These desires are a product of envy, greed, lust, pride, and arrogance.

* Matthew 19:23-26 NKJV

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. [24] And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." [25] When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" [26] But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Is it a sin to be wealthy? No. Can a christian be rich? Yes. Then what is Jesus saying here? "It is hard - but with God all things are possible." God understands the way we think, feel, and desire. He did not set us up to fail. It is perfectly normal for you to desire good things for you and your family. Notice the disciples astonishment, "Who then can be saved?" It is the abuse of this desire that changes the situation. You will notice the use of the word "abuse" very common in my teachings because the main problem with humanity is abuse.

Is it a sin to strive for a good education in order to obtain a career? No. Is it a sin to seek lucrative employment? No. Many of God's children in the scripture were wealthy, such as Moses, Abraham, king David, King Solomon, Job etc... Many were nobles, princes, and yes, many were poor as well. The problem is not money, it's the "love" of money as clearly stated in the first verse we read.

What, then, is the issue with prosperity teachers? If you notice most, and I say most because not all who teach faith and provision as I do fit this category, but most of those who teach prosperity want your money. They want you to feel that if you give them your money God will reimburse you, sort of speak. "Give and it shall be given unto you."

* Luke 6:38 NKJV

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

That statement is true but, what they don't teach you is the complete lesson. They only teach what benefits them.

* Proverbs 19:17 NKJV

He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.

* Proverbs 28:27 NKJV

He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

God is looking for those who give to supply a need. These preachers are not in need. They live in huge homes you probably can't afford but they are asking for your money. Now here's a good question; who do they give to? If you give with the expectation of getting a greater reward from God you are abusing God's provision. God is not a bank to accumulate interest with, he's not stock on Wall Street, and he is definitely not the lottery. Behaving is this manner is demeaning and disrespectful to God and his plan of provision for us. Give because you see a need and God will see the compassion you feel for others and the sacrifice you're willing to make to help out. Love... God is looking for good fruit not get rich schemes.

If you are not sure who to trust, who to listen to, who to follow, here's what to look for:

* Matthew 7:20 NKJV

Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Now be careful. Most people think miracles and healing is fruit. That is not fruit.

* Matthew 7:22-23 NKJV

Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' [23] And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

He never knew them but they had miracles and wonders happen. Please read that again and let it sink in. They believed they were saved based on the miracles... What then is the fruit?

* Galatians 5:22-24 NKJV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. [24] And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

* Ephesians 5:8-10 NKJV

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), [10] finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

The fruit is love, joy, goodness etc...

* 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NKJV

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. [2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. [3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

If you don't have love, everything else you do has no value.

* 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NKJV Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. [2] And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. [3] But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

* 1 John 4:7-8 NKJV

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. [8] He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

* 1 Timothy 6:3-5 NKJV

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, [4] he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, [5] useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

God's word says it all. It is okay to withdraw yourself from those people and seek to associate with true believers who bear fruit as stated in the scripture.

Does God have a plan of provision for my life? Yes. I would like to begin teaching you according to God's word his plan of faith and provision. Please look for it soon and tell all your friends.

And always remember to live write.