Faith-Based Finances

Current Article: A Life Well Spent:
The Antidote to Materialism

Published by Ronald Blue & Co., LLC

One of our offices recently received a fax from
someone purportedly from a governmental agency
in another country requesting help with the foreign transfer of a large amount of funds.  In the fax, the gentleman promises that if we assist with this transaction, our “share” of the wealth will be 30% of $14.5 million.  A co-worker showed me the fax and we marveled at how some people would believe this scam and risk their capital or personal information because of the temptation of possessing over $4 million.  I told my coworker that my mother always said that God protects babies and fools.  She replied, “Yes, but He doesn’t protect the greedy.”

Most of us are wise enough not to fall for a “get rich quick” type of scam.  However, we often face temptations of money tempting us to faulty decisions.  Money has an interesting way of manipulating our desires – sometimes the more money we have, the more “needs” we seem to have.  The statement “the love of money is the root of all evil” is true because the more money you have, the more money you want and think you “need.”

How can you protect yourself from the evil of loving money?  Giving is an effective antidote to materialism.  English writer Sir Thomas Browne once advised, “BGE charitable before wealth makes thee covetous.”  Pastor and author Lloyd Shadrach suggested, “Generosity is to materialism what kryptonite is to Superman.”

Even John Wesley, English evangelist and founder of Methodism, understood the power of money and the stronghold it can have over a person.  “Money never stays with me,” Wesley said.  “It would burn me if it did.  I throw it out of my hands as soon as possible lest it should find its way to my heart.”

God knew how tempting the love of money would be:

  • “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” – Ecclesiastes 5:10
  • “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way, they will lay up treasure to themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” - 1 Timothy 6:17-18

Seeking riches with a covetous heart is not “truly life”.  Applying Biblical principles to the money God has given you and watch Him us that wealth to impact the lives of others is “truly life”.  Does your wealth have a hold on you?  Could it potentially have?  Be generous in your heart and with your wealth to experience financial freedom and great blessings.

Ronald Blue & Co.
Wisdom for Wealth. For Life.

 

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