1 Timothy 6:11 But thou O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, LOVE, patience, meekness.
Yes my Friends, very good advice from Bruh Paul, writing to his young associate Timothy. But what are these things we should flee? This relates to Bruh Paul’s famous, but often misquoted and misunderstood statement about money: ‘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.’ (Tim.6:10) Note people, it’s the LOVE of money, not money itself that causes us problems. When we put it up on a pedestal and bow down to worship it, making it an idol, and of too much importance in our lives, then it’s that overwhelming desire to acquire it that leads us to do all sorts of evil things. However, money is not the source of all evil, or the only one, but it sure is a powerful motivating force. And when we covet it, strive after it as a goal in life, in most cases it causes us to stray from the faith, because then we don’t focus on God, but concentrate on making money, and there are numerous ways of making money that are verboten to the Christian faith. Thus we cause ourselves lots of sorrow, heartache and disappointment. The LOVE of money is like any other obsession; in its relentless pursuit, you usually end up committing stupid, illegal and hurtful actions. It all comes right back to being too caught up in the things of this world; the fleshly lusts and material possessions. As Bruh Paul reminds us, ‘For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.’ (1 Tim.6:7) And that’s the gospel truth my Friends! Job puts it quite succinctly: ‘Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ (Job 1:21) Job acknowledged that he brought nothing when he was born, and whatever he acquired was through the Lord’s generosity, and if He wanted to take it away in one fell swoop, though it cause us severe hardship and heartache, that’s His prerogative. Sadly though my people, this great urge to acquire plenty money, material possessions, social position and political power is the driving force behind the current economic and financial debacle. Many of us know this, but we keep on listening to the evil agents of the enemy and engage in the unhealthy activities, to our subsequent detriment, instead of fleeing from them. Bruh David also commented on it, but in a slightly different manner. ‘Be thou not afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.’ (Ps.49:16-17) So even if we get rich in an acceptable manner, if the Lord blesses us with earthly wealth and power, for whatever reason, don’t be scared or worried about possessing it, just be as good a steward of it as you can, for when you die, it will all remain right here. Neither will your social position, your political power or your mighty exploits descend with you. Forgive me my brethren, but this topic is so important, we should listen to one more pundit; Solomon (smile) ‘There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.’ (Eccl.5:13-15) Oh Friends, we’ve heard from three of the wealthiest, wisest, patient, powerful and god-fearing men ever, and they all give the same advice, talking from personal experience, not hearsay: Put not your trust in worldly riches, for we can’t take any with us when we depart this world. And if you don’t believe mortal men, and I don’t fault you, then listen to Jesus: He’s relating the parable of the sower. ‘He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful,’ (Mat.13:22) My people, that’s the word from the ultimate authority. I like how he puts it; ‘the deceitfulness of riches,’ for that’s exactly how riches operate; here today, gone tomorrow. Look at all the people who were so rich when our economy was motoring along at high speed on a gas tank of only vapour, and in the unexpected blink of an eyelash, misfortune occurred and their wealth either disappeared or was considerably reduced; proving Sol’s contention. So Friends, let’s learn nuh. How many times do we have to see ourselves and/or others suffer severe reversals of fortune because we’re too taken up in the accumulation of earthly possessions? It’s time to concentrate on laying up rewards and treasure in heaven, not on earth. Much LOVE!…is it of man…it will not last…is it of God…it will last forever… To Be Continued.
Yes my Friends, very good advice from Bruh Paul, writing to his young associate Timothy. But what are these things we should flee? This relates to Bruh Paul’s famous, but often misquoted and misunderstood statement about money: ‘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.’ (Tim.6:10) Note people, it’s the LOVE of money, not money itself that causes us problems. When we put it up on a pedestal and bow down to worship it, making it an idol, and of too much importance in our lives, then it’s that overwhelming desire to acquire it that leads us to do all sorts of evil things. However, money is not the source of all evil, or the only one, but it sure is a powerful motivating force. And when we covet it, strive after it as a goal in life, in most cases it causes us to stray from the faith, because then we don’t focus on God, but concentrate on making money, and there are numerous ways of making money that are verboten to the Christian faith. Thus we cause ourselves lots of sorrow, heartache and disappointment. The LOVE of money is like any other obsession; in its relentless pursuit, you usually end up committing stupid, illegal and hurtful actions. It all comes right back to being too caught up in the things of this world; the fleshly lusts and material possessions. As Bruh Paul reminds us, ‘For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.’ (1 Tim.6:7) And that’s the gospel truth my Friends! Job puts it quite succinctly: ‘Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ (Job 1:21) Job acknowledged that he brought nothing when he was born, and whatever he acquired was through the Lord’s generosity, and if He wanted to take it away in one fell swoop, though it cause us severe hardship and heartache, that’s His prerogative. Sadly though my people, this great urge to acquire plenty money, material possessions, social position and political power is the driving force behind the current economic and financial debacle. Many of us know this, but we keep on listening to the evil agents of the enemy and engage in the unhealthy activities, to our subsequent detriment, instead of fleeing from them. Bruh David also commented on it, but in a slightly different manner. ‘Be thou not afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.’ (Ps.49:16-17) So even if we get rich in an acceptable manner, if the Lord blesses us with earthly wealth and power, for whatever reason, don’t be scared or worried about possessing it, just be as good a steward of it as you can, for when you die, it will all remain right here. Neither will your social position, your political power or your mighty exploits descend with you. Forgive me my brethren, but this topic is so important, we should listen to one more pundit; Solomon (smile) ‘There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.’ (Eccl.5:13-15) Oh Friends, we’ve heard from three of the wealthiest, wisest, patient, powerful and god-fearing men ever, and they all give the same advice, talking from personal experience, not hearsay: Put not your trust in worldly riches, for we can’t take any with us when we depart this world. And if you don’t believe mortal men, and I don’t fault you, then listen to Jesus: He’s relating the parable of the sower. ‘He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful,’ (Mat.13:22) My people, that’s the word from the ultimate authority. I like how he puts it; ‘the deceitfulness of riches,’ for that’s exactly how riches operate; here today, gone tomorrow. Look at all the people who were so rich when our economy was motoring along at high speed on a gas tank of only vapour, and in the unexpected blink of an eyelash, misfortune occurred and their wealth either disappeared or was considerably reduced; proving Sol’s contention. So Friends, let’s learn nuh. How many times do we have to see ourselves and/or others suffer severe reversals of fortune because we’re too taken up in the accumulation of earthly possessions? It’s time to concentrate on laying up rewards and treasure in heaven, not on earth. Much LOVE!…is it of man…it will not last…is it of God…it will last forever… To Be Continued.
SCRIP-BITS 