It's Not About Earthly Wealth!

St. Louis Cardinals fans had long feared that this day was coming -- a day when Albert Pujols, the greatest baseball player of his generation, would leave behind the only team he had known for richer pastures elsewhere.

He could have chosen to stay in St. Louis and become one of the city's greatest heroes. He could have cemented his legacy forever, regardless of how he performed on the field over the life of his contract. But in the end, the opportunity offered by the Angels was more important to Pujols. Los Angeles offered him a 10-year contract worth $254 million, compared to the St. Louis offer of about $30-$40 million less.

While it's easy for St. Louis fans to hurl charges of greed and disloyalty against Pujols, who is a dedicated Christian, the fact remains that the Angels offered him not just a little more, but substantially more than the Cardinals did. Money talks for all of us, and most people in their lives have left one job for another largely because of the cash.

I'm guessing that many of us, if faced with a decision similar to Pujols', would have done exactly as he did, despite our protests to the contrary. Millionaires don't have a monopoly on the desire for more money than they already have.

On the other hand, the thing that irked a lot of St. Louis fans was Pujols' own insistence that he wasn't motivated by the money. Consider his own words: "Do I want to be in St. Louis forever? Of course," Pujols said in February 2009.

"People from other teams want to play in St. Louis and they're jealous that we're in St. Louis because the fans are unbelievable. So why would you want to leave a place like St. Louis to go somewhere else and make $3 or $4 more million a year? It's not about the money. I already got my money. It's about winning and that's it."

It's possible that Pujols changed his mind about the importance of the money between then and now. He's free to do that. But whether he indeed changed his mind, or whether his words at the time were simply hollow, is certainly up for debate.
-Baptist Press, December 9, 2011, Tim Ellsworth

The Bible says a great deal about money. It speaks about earning and spending, saving and giving. And yes, It even tells about wasting our money. It puts to rest two commonly held misconceptions about money. First, that money provides ultimate security (Proverbs 23:4-5; Luke 12:15), and that God condemns the rich for being rich.

Yes, He certainly hates false gain, wrong motives for getting rich, and lack of compassionate generosity among the wealthy. But some of the most godly people in the Bible were rich (Job, Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon, Barnabas, Philemon, Lydia)!

The Bible also teaches that both the rich and poor must fight similar battles, such as envy of others, and the greed for more. One passage in particular addresses several attitudes that often accompany money. It is found in 1 Timothy 6:6-10,17-19, which can be divided into three sections: reminders, warnings and commands.

With this in mind, let's consider what the passage above tells us, starting with reminders to those who are not rich. Don't think religion is just a way to get rich as did some in Timothy's day (1 Timothy 6:5), and as some do today (cf. "The Gospel Of Health And Wealth")! Always keep in mind that religion (godliness) is of value only when joined with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6).

Along with this, remember that godliness with contentment is the great gain. It is THAT which constitutes true wealth (1 Timothy 6:6). It is a consistent, authentic walk with God combined with satisfaction and peace within (regardless of finances). The key is contentment! This is a quality that is learned (cf. Philippians 4:11-12). How is it learned? By having:

1) A proper perspective on life (1 Timothy 6:7). Think of "You can't take with you."
2) An understanding of the true physical necessities of life (1 Timothy 6:8) such as food and clothing.

Thus, the reminder to those not rich as to the key to true wealth: godliness with contentment!

Next, to those who want to get rich, Paul provides warnings to those who want to get rich. First, the danger of pursuing wealth. He (Paul) is talking of those "who desire to be rich" (1 Timothy 6:9); such as those who have a firm resolve, a strong determination to do so.

As to one who is possessed with the thought of getting rich, such will "fall." Note the certainty: those who desire to be rich fall (cf. Proverbs 28:20). Into what will one fall (1 Timothy 6:9)?: Try, temptations, snares, and any foolish and harmful lusts! There is a real danger in the love of money. Note carefully what Paul says (1 Timothy 6:10): a) It is the love of money, not money itself; b) It is "a" root of all kinds of evil (ASV, NKJV), not "the" root of all evil.

Those who long for money (in greediness), will experience two perils: a) they will stray from the faith (cf. Matthew 6:24); b) they will suffer many sorrows (cf. Proverbs 28:20). Therefore, be careful, or you will find yourself in "the black hole of greed"! This warning applies both to the poor (who want to get rich) and the rich (who want to be richer).

Subsequently, we find Paul giving commands to those who ARE rich. First: do not be haughty. That is, high-minded or conceited (1 Timothy 6:17; cf. James 4:6). Remember that what you have ultimately comes from God!

Secondly, do not trust in wealth for security. Why is this? Because:

1. Riches are "uncertain" (especially in our economy!) 1 Timothy 6:17
2. Riches are "insufficient" (cf. Luke 12:15-21 (the parable of the rich fool).

Thirdly, be a generous person! Note the repeated emphasis in 1 Timothy 6:18: a) "Do good, be rich in good works"; b) "Ready to give, willing to share." So Look beyond the "good life" (1 Timothy 6:19). Store up a good foundation for "the time to come" and lay hold on "eternal life"!

In summary, this does not exhaust the subject of money, but we have addressed several critical issues. For those struggling to make ends meet, guard against being envious of the wealthy, and focus on learning contentment in life. For those engaged in the pursuit of money, it's only a matter of time before you will be ensnared and miserable. In the process, you will lose the very things you think money can provide (peace, happiness, love, satisfaction). For those blessed to be rich, put away any conceit, forget about finding ultimate security in riches, and tap into that which is life eternal, by cultivating generosity!

Speaking of riches, the greatest treasures are those found in Jesus Christ. For example: "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7); "In Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:3); "And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).

Why not come to Jesus today in complete obedience to His will. Place your faith in Him who died for your sins. Repent of your sins. Confess your faith in the risen Christ, the Son of God, and be baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins. Then you can begin to experience the "true riches" which Jesus offers to all who will obey Him!

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10,17-19

Prayer:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)

May God bless you,

Donna