As a follower of Jesus Christ, and as leaders whether Apostle, Prophet, preacher, pastor-teacher, evangelist, and those gifted with the responsibilities of all three, one thing is for sure in the lives of all of the people is found in Luke 6:45, where the evangelist says a good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart. In comparison, an evil man brings evil things out of the wicked desires stored in their heart. For what the heart is full of, the mouth speaks.
Therefore we see that men and women having a heart filled with Christ speak, teach, love, and live the love of Christ. Those who love money will, without interruption, preach about money, write books about money and defend the prosperity gospel having no fear of God.
In Proverbs 9:10, we learn that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. While Proverbs 10:27 says, “The fear of the Lord prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.”
These verses classify the teachers and believers into two groups, good and evil, with a warning. Paul also teaches, in Romans 3:10-12, that no one person is righteous; Paul explains that all have turned aside; from the truth and have become a people without godly value and do no good.
Apostle Paul emphasized the fact that none of us are perfect and that no one is righteous before God. He referred to Romans 3:10-12, which reads, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” Paul says that, regardless of our efforts, we can never be righteous alone. Only through the indwelling of Jesus Christ can we be made right with God and do good.
Therefore a heart filled with a ferocious appetite for money, power, fame, and prosperity leads people to crave worldly gains above the Spiritual fill of Christ’s love and righteousness, which is no good to God or His Kingdom on earth. They have fallen away, and apostasy is on their lips no matter how attractive their faces and personal riches and kingdoms appear.
Father understands money can be a powerful force in our lives. God knows that we need financial resources to live and provide for our families; however, it is essential to see that having financial resources does not equate to having a blessed life in Christ. Jesus warns us in Matthew 16:26 that “what good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Isn’t it encouraging to see that Jesus is teaching us that there are more important things in life than money? A life full of faith, love, hope, and charity devoted to serving God and people is far more valuable than the world’s riches.
Once more, Apostle Paul warns us in 1 Timothy 6:10 not to place our hope on money because “it is a root of all kinds of evil.” Money can bring comfort and convenience, but it can also be our downfall. Cash and clout should never be our primary focus or goal, especially as gospel teachers. We should strive to pursue Christ and His Kingdom to pour out Christ’s oil that heals and reveals Christ’s love. We teach through the Holy Spirit spiritually, morally, and intellectually to edify, to change the people to live in Christ, so they genuinely prosper, heal, and find true joy and contentment in Christ.
In addition, we must be responsible as followers of Christ to follow Christ and nothing else that shows our fruit to be more of a bank teller than Christ’s servants.
To conclude, money is necessary for life, and to prosper and benefit our families and the people, it can be a blessing. But don’t mistake the Gospel being written to be preached to accumulate wealth and promote a false sense of righteousness before the people. God’s word helps us not only be hearers but live a biblically balanced life in truth in Christ. (James 1:22)
Blessings
Sister Christine
C. Brejcha ©️