Monday, 27th March 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: BEWARE OF THE SNARE OF RICHES
THEME SCRIPTURE: “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.” - 1 Timothy 6:9
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Is it good to be rich as a Christian?
- What are some of the cautions to be aware of when it comes to acquiring riches?
It is difficult for many people to believe that riches can be a snare. Riches are good, and God’s people must walk in riches (2 Cor 8:9). Poverty is not a good thing and therefore it should not be encouraged among believers.
Even though riches are good, they can be a temptation and a trap to the believer if not handled well.
The prodigal son is a popular case scenario Jesus used to teach backsliding and the power of God’s love. In that case story, before the younger son became a prodigal person, he was in the Father’s house. Seeing the riches of the Father, and his inheritance, he could not wait to cease his inheritance. He asked his father for his share of the inheritance (Luke 15:12), signifying that he cannot wait for the death of the dad. You know what? Immediately his huge inheritance was delivered to him, he felt rich and three things happened.
First, he went into a far country (Luke 15:13) so that the people who know him and can caution or counsel him will be out of his sight. He separated himself so that he can have the liberty to do what he wants to do without his conscience bothering him. He fell into the trap that says, if you are rich you don’t need advice. Secondly, he changed his lifestyle (Luke 15:13); he began to live riotously (big and uncontrolled). He fell into the trap of thinking that once you have the money you should live ‘good’ (eat big, drink good alcohol, smoke designer cigars, have the best of women, etc.). Thirdly, he forgot his father completely. He cared less whether his father was alive or not.
So is the temptation of riches - men easily forget their God. We forget the God whose grace, strength and mercies have made it possible for us to create wealth.
Many years ago, I heard someone say that it is the poor who pray about everything and for long hours. Suggesting that poverty is what brings many people to prayer and fellowship with God. But quite recently, a prominent rich man died and I heard his wife say to me - man of God, money is ashamed. No amount of money could save the life of my husband. At that instance, I wondered whether they ever thought money could stop or bribe death.
Precious One, riches have a way of deceiving men to put their confidence and security in wealth. It has a way of making you live independently of God. It has a way of building pride in men.
Then God’s grace begins to fail them and their sorrows become many. It is therefore important that we draw closer to God the more we grow in riches. Further, it is useless to seek riches for the sake of being rich. Riches must go with a godly purpose to ensure fulfilment. Have an accountable partner in life, who can warn you of foolish and hurtful lusts that may come your way. Beloved, the world passes away and the lust as well, but those who do the will of God abide forever (1 John 2:17). Finally, learn to acknowledge God in everything you do (Deut 8:18). God bless you more.
FURTHER READING – Matthew 19:16-22
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- What has been the source of your confidence and security in life all these years?
- Do you see yourself trapped by riches and how much you have?
- How generous are you?
CONFESSION
Precious Father, thank you for the riches in Christ I have received. I confess that from today going forward I am walking in humility and absolute dependence on God irrespective of my monetary worth. I affirm that I am what I am, by the grace of God. Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Number 8; Numbers 9; Proverbs 5; Luke 19
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