Those who are followers of Christ look for the coming of the Lord and his reign over the world. They hope in the promise of eternal life, which is in Christ Jesus, as well as in a new heaven and earth wherein exits righteousness. In sharp contrast to this, the children of this world set their affections upon those things which pertain to this life.
We, however, are citizens of heaven, and we eagerly wait for our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. – Philippians 3:20 (GNB – Good News Bible)
For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:18 (GNB)
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. – 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (KJV – King James Version)
The latter verse
speaks to those who are led astray by false doctrines of wealth which
are couched in messages of prosperity, success and coming into one’s
season. Therefore, there is a difference in the heart of those who
pursue the precious wealth of the promise of God in Christ that’s
laid up in heaven for them, as opposed to those who desire earthly
riches.
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. – 1 John 2:25 (KJV)
Nowhere in the scriptures will you find the promise of earthly riches to the followers of Christ. In fact the Bible says the following:
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. – Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: – Matthew 6:19 (KJV)
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. – 1 Timothy 6:8 (KJV)
There are numerous
other scriptures which speak to this truth. However, for those who
pursue the riches of this world, such instructions have no meaning
whatsoever. These are the ones who fall victim to the religious
charlatans who falsely claim to be teachers and servants of Christ.
False prophets appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines, and will deny the Master who redeemed them, and so they will bring upon themselves sudden destruction. Even so, many will follow their immoral ways; and because of what they do, others will speak evil of the Way of truth. In their greed these false teachers will make a profit out of telling you made-up stories… – 2 Peter 2:1-3 (GNB)
The above verse sums up perfectly the false “Christian” religious landscape we see today. Again, this is in sharp contrast to the disciples and apostles of Christ who were sent forth to preach the gospel.
He called the twelve disciples together and sent them out two by two. He gave them authority over the evil spirits and ordered them, “Don’t take anything with you on the trip except a walking stick—no bread, no beggar’s bag, no money in your pockets. Wear sandals, but don’ carry an extra shirt.” He also told them, “Wherever you are welcomed, stay in the same house until you leave that place.” – Mark 6:7-10 (GNB)
And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. – Luke 22:35 (KJV)
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. – Acts 3:6 (KJV)
Instead, in everything we do show that we are God’s servants by patiently enduring troubles, hardships, and difficulties. We have been beaten, jailed, and mobbed; we have been overworked and have gone without sleep or food…although saddened, we are always glad; we seem poor, but we make many people rich; we seem to have nothing, yet we really possess everything. – 2 Corinthians 6:4-5,10 (GNB)
To this very moment we go hungry and thirsty; we are clothed in rags; we are beaten; we wander from place to place; – 1 Corinthians 4:11 (GNB)
Yet, in this time, we see those who claim to be servants of Christ enjoying excessive wealth. They ride around in chauffeur-driven cars; they fly in private jets; live in luxurious mansions and gated compounds; they book suites at five-star hotels; they dine at the best restaurants; they have an entourage of attendants, and they are bedecked in the finest clothing and jewelry. This lifestyle of opulence is a far cry from the hardships endured by the disciples and apostles of Christ we read of in the scriptures. Nor does it reflect the example that Christ left those who would follow him.
…sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! – Luke 18:22-24 (KJV)
“This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn’t life worth more than food? And isn’t the body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren’t you worth much more than birds? Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?” And why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow: they do not work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. It is God who clothes the wild grass—grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won’t he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have! – Matthew 6:25-30 (GNB)
In consideration of the above verses, the pursuit of wealth by those who call themselves followers of Christ does not align itself with the scriptures. Even more so, many of the destructive philosophies of the world have now been repackaged as teachings of Christ, which they are not. Self-help gurus flood our airwaves and stores with their demonic doctrines creating numerous paths to spiritual ruin.
See to it, then, that no one enslaves you by means of the worthless deceit of human wisdom (philosophy), which comes from the teachings handed down by human beings and from the ruling spirits of the universe, and not from Christ. – Colossians 2:8 (GNB)
My copious use of scripture is meant to show that the Lord has provided abundantly for our instruction, and that we lack nothing in the way of guidance into the path of life and truth.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (GNB)
Therefore, we don’t need these numerous scriptural aides and superfluous “Christian” texts, which, ironically do more to divert from the truth.
For some of these men go into homes and deceive foolish women who are burdened with sins and swayed by all kinds of desires. These women are always studying but are never able to arrive at a full knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and their faith is a counterfeit. – 2 Timothy 3:6-8 (ISV – International Standard Version)
Can you not see the parallels in today’s so-called “Christian” preachers in the above verses? Most of their audience is primarily made up of women and effeminate males. Unlike in those times, where they frequented the homes of these individuals peddling their destructive doctrines for gain, they now can do so using today’s technology. They get beamed into homes via satellite feeds and the internet. Also, there is no end to their numerous teaching and doctrinal aides, and whether it’s books, conferences, workshops, recordings or pod-casts, their deceived and gullible students are forever learning but unable to come to the knowledge of the truth. Consequently, II Timothy 3:8 sums up perfectly the character of these wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Contrary to the teachings of these charlatans, the child of God is called upon to:
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; – Romans 12:12 (KJV)
Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving. – Philippians 4:6 (ISV)
Additionally, clearer instruction could not have been given than is written in I Timothy 6:5, where the child of God is told to withdraw themselves from those who teach that financial success is a benchmark of their spiritual health.
Therefore, I encourage the precious flock of Christ to not depart from the instruction and assurances of the scriptures.
May the peace of Christ remain with you. Amen.