“…godliness with contentment (autarkeia: self-sufficiency, independence) is great gain. For we brought NOTHING INTO this world, and it is certain we can carry NOTHING OUT. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich FALL INTO TEMPTATION AND A SNARE (pagis: a moral snare that robs someone of their spiritual liberties) and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For THE LOVE OF MONEY is a ROOT of ALL KINDS OF EVIL, for which some have STRAYED FROM THE FAITH in their GREEDINESS, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Tim. 6:6-10)
Jesus taught His disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is VERY HARD for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—IT IS EASIER FOR A CAMEL TO GO THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE than for A RICH PERSON to enter the KINGDOM OF GOD!” (Matt. 19:23-24) When Jesus was teaching about the seed and the sower He said, “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the LURE (trap) OF WEALTH, so no fruit is produced.” (Matt. 13:22)
That’s why Jesus taught us, “…do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that YOU NEED ALL THESE THINGS. But SEEK FIRST the KINGDOM OF GOD and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, and all these things SHALL BE ADDED TO YOU. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matt. 6:31-34)
-Bill Stockham