LOVING JESUS MORE THAN MONEY AND POSSESSIONS
Jesus loves us enough to have left heaven and died for us while we were yet sinners (Philippians 2:6-8); Romans 5:8). And he has great desire to have a loving relationship with us, wherein we love him more than anything in the world (Matthew 22:37; Colossians 3:2). Although the Bible says there are many things that compete for our love (1 John 2:15-160, money and possessions may be two of the greatest competitors (Luke 18: 18-23; 1 Timothy 6:10). Yet, the Lord says if we delight in him more than anything else, he will give us the desires of our heart (Matthew 6:33, Psalm 37:4).
THE BIBLE SHOWS MONEY AND POSSESSIONS ARE GREAT CONTENDERS FOR PEOPLE”S LOVE
The biblical Word of God says, “the love of money is the root of all evil, which may hinder our love for and relationship with the Lord.” However, the Bible did not say money itself was evil; but “the love of money” is the root of evil. It is understood that money itself may be used for much good—pay for life’s necessities, help the poor, promote God’s work. But according to the biblical Word of God “love of money” and material possessions may hinder the love of many for the Lord, and causes many to lose their souls. (1 Timothy 6:10).
THE BIBLE SHOWS SOME WHO LOVE MONEY AND POSSESSIONS MORE THAN THE LORD
- A man with wealth, and had lived morally upright since he was a boy, met Jesus and wanted to know what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him, “sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the man heard this, he was very sad, because he had a great deal of money and possessions. Jesus said it is hard for those with riches to enter the kingdom of God. But he said, what is impossible with man is possible with God. (Luke 18:18-27).
- Another man in the Bible, was so busy amassing earthly things that he forgot about heavenly things and his relationship with the Lord. Consequently, he lost his soul (Luke 12:18-21).
- Jesus spoke of some people who treated the Lord’s house as a place for making money rather than a place for truly worshipping the Lord (John 2:13-16).
- And the scriptures of the Bible tell us there are some who keep money for themselves that is due to the Lord (Malachi 3:8; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
BIBLE EXAMPLES GIVEN OF SOME WHO LOVED THE LORD MORE.
- “After removing Saul [who loved things of the world more], [God] made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do” (Acts 13:22). Among the many Psalms he wrote praising the Lord, David said: “Delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of you heart” (Psalm 37:4).
- Deacon Stephen of the Early Church was more concerned about pleasing the Lord than about the things of this world. Because of his demonstration of loving the Lord more, he was stoned to death by men who loved the world more. When he was dying, Stephen ‘“looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God”… While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”’ (Acts 7).
OUR CULTURE EMPHASIZES LOVE FOR MONEY AND POSSESSIONS
Our culture emphasizes getting rich and acquiring possessions—morally or immorally–more than it focuses on loving the Lord Jesus Christ who died for us. We are taught the following values in our culture:
- Work hard like Horatio Algiers and you will go from rages to riches.
- “Greed Is Good” ( title of a popular movie).
- Being corrupt is clever if you don’t get caught.
- Gambling for a good cause is not bad.
- A little cheating may be okay.
Some people may not be corrupt in general, but may feel it is okay to cheat a little now and then, especially when facing financial hardships. However, the Word of God says, ‘“content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you”’ (Hebrews 13:5). They need to ask God’s help from the Holy Spirit to follow all of God’s Word (1 John 5:14-15; John 14:15):
THE BIBLE STRESSES LOVING JESUS WITH ALL YOUR HEART
- First, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind (Luke 10:27)
- Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
- Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and the things you need and desire, according to God’s will, shall be added to you (Matthew6:33 KJV).
- Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:10). And the Lord has said: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5).
Our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ assures us, no one has given up anything for the sake of the Lord, but that they shall “receive a hundredfold in the present age…and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30).
