When we think about the money barrier in America, we usually think of those who are tragically poor, uneducated, and unemployed. However, I want to address the money barrier that is caused when we violate God’s commandments by becoming lovers of money (1 Timothy 3:3, 2 Timothy 3:2).
1 Timothy 6:10 explains, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” The accumulation of money changes us, and usually for the worse. Although it enables us to share more with others, it’s almost impossible to overcome the powerful hold of the greed of the flesh. Unless we’re extremely careful, bad things will happen when we accumulate money.
We become eager for money and wander from the truth. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” In Acts 8:20, Peter told Simon the Sorcerer, “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!”
A recent Reader’s Digest article exposed the cheating epidemic on college campuses. One of the biggest categories of students who cheat are “lazy rich kids.” Colleges are a perfect launching ground for them, because our educational institutions are built to reward the rich and to forgive them their laziness. The successful among us are not always the best, the brightest, or the most ethical. The lazy rich kid is “poised for a life of paying others and telling them what to do. Indeed, he is acquiring all the skills he needs to stay on top.”
It’s both ironic and tragic how the money barrier inhibits the personal growth of those with too little wealth, as well as those with too much.
I think its a fallacy to say that money changes us, and usually for the worse. I think money just amplifies our true hearts. If you’re greedy with a little, you’ll be greedy with a lot. If you’re generous with little, you’ll be generous with a lot. It has nothing to do with the quantity of money, rather how its gripped our hearts. The scripture says we can only have one master.
Great website! Keep bringing the Word!