“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall [of protection] in his own imagination and conceit.” Proverbs 18:11 AMP

In a day and age where money has become a god, many seem to think that having a lot of it means safety and security. Nothing could be further from the truth. Money is the median of commerce and trade in this world. No one is denying that it is the status of success and gain. If this temporal world was the only existence that there was, one could understand the desire to hoard it and endlessly chase after it. That however should never be the lot of the believer! Jesus gave us a promise,

““Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; 21for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21 AMP

The believer is instructed not to get caught-up in the trap of riches. The verse warns us that we need to take account of our wishes and desires that our life is centered! The Apostle Paul warned the Philippian believers,

“Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you. 18For there are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, who live as enemies of the cross of Christ [rejecting and opposing His way of salvation], 19whose fate is destruction, whose god is their belly [their worldly appetite, their sensuality, their vanity], and whose glory is in their shame–who focus their mind on earthly and temporal things. 20But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;”

Philippians 3:17-20 AMP

Do you see it? If the focus in down here the end is destruction. We should be focused on the things above! Look how Paul described our life, “…But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;” I love those words, “We are different!” We need be careful that the alure of this temporal world does not outshine the reward of the eternal one! Jesus warned us of this battle!

““No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].” 

Matthew 6:24 AMP

Whom are you serving today? In whom are you trusting today? Our opening verse perfectly describes the state of thinking that your riches and possessions is the goal of your life! They are simply an illusion that they are a wall of protection and provision. God gave us the greatest promise of our lives,

“It is the LORD who goes before you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 AMP

There are beautiful words in the book of Hebrews:

“Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I WILL NEVER [under any circumstances] DESERT YOU [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], NOR WILL I FORSAKE or LET YOU DOWN or RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13:5 AMP

Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken