Posted on 12/15/2021 4:38:48 AM PST by Pilgrim's Progress
“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith” (Proverbs 15:16).
You’re better off being poor as a church mouse, fear God, and live for Him then to have all the money and all the wealth of this world. Paul tells us in First Timothy 6 that we came into the world with nothing and we are going to leave the world with nothing, so why are you running around trying to accumulate a bunch of junk? That isn’t the purpose of life. If God does give you things, don’t get attached to them. Any time some becomes more important to you than being in church or reading your Bible—it’s time to get rid of it.
“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith,” how about Agrippa. He had great treasures. Paul said, “And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds” (Acts 26:29). Paul didn’t have anything but the cloak on his back. Paul was much better off fearing God than was Agrippa there with all his robes and royal attire. Paul didn’t have any crowns in this life, but as he saw his death approaching, he spoke of a crown of righteousness laid up for him in glory.
Warning to the rich are given in First Timothy 6:6-10: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 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.” It goes on to say, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (I Timothy 6:17-19).
It is more important to lay hold on our potential for Christ and to use what they have for Christ than it is to lay hold on treasures. Billions upon billions of eternities enjoying our treasures laid up in store in heaven’s bank is going to be much more valuable than the little bit we had during the 70-some years on earth, and yet so many live as though this were the end all.
If anyone would like to be added to the ping list, please let me know either by post or by p.m.
For more books on all topics of the Bible, visit my web site at:
Absolutely true.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.