Riches

 

Proverbs 23:4,5 says “Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings: they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”

Have you ever heard of someone winning a lottery and in a few years, they have nothing? Or, a professional athlete making millions of dollars, and by the time he is 50, he is broke? Maybe you work all week, collect your pay check, and by the weekend it’s all gone. Where does it all go?

We know that God is the provider of all that we receive so we should be wise about what we do with what he has provided. Pastor Baker has spoken of a planned, principled, purposeful giving, referring to an offering or a tithe. I know many people get upset when the discussion of finances comes up, but Scripture makes mention of it; therefore, it is a topic worthy of our attention.

Matthew 6:19,20 says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” 

The treasures spoken of here are not just referring to money, but time, effort, and obedience. Why do we do what we do? Why do we serve? Why do we give our time and money? If we do it to be seen of men, we have our reward. That means no treasure in heaven. Do we witness to honor the Lord who saved us?  Do we clean the church to thank Him for what he has done for us? Do we give to the poor because God so graciously provided for us? It’s all about attitude, isn’t it?  God sees the heart.  

Where are your riches, here or there?