The Love of Wealth

Matthew 6:19–24
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God promises material blessings to those who honor his principles but it does not imply that all wealth is a necessary sign of blessing (vv. 19-21). A common error of Judaism was to regard material wealth as always indicating the blessing of God. While it is true that the book of Proverbs promises material blessings to those who honor God’s financial principles it does not imply that all wealth is a necessary sign of blessing. Nowhere did Jesus magnify poverty or criticize the legitimate getting of wealth. In fact He has given us all things to enjoy (I Tim. 6:17). It is not wrong to possess things, but it is wrong for things to possess us. Our attention to wealth, possessions, social status and retirement benefits tends to cause us to trust that which man can provide rather than that which God has already provided. Our simple appreciation of the natural provisions of God are frequently overlooked in favor of the plastic provisions of our contemporary technology.

Don’t store up treasures on this earth where moth and rust can destroy and theives can break in and steal (v. 19). The believer’s attention needs to be directed toward the treasures in heaven rather than possessions upon this earth (v. 20). The only way man will ever overcome his natural inclination toward materialism and wealth is to place the priority of his possessions in heaven. Your heart will always be where your treasure is (v. 21). When our goal is to accumulate wealth in this life it occupies our heart and mind (vv. 22-24). That is why our writer says “No man can serve two  masters” (v. 24). Either Jesus is our Lord or money is our Lord. You cannot be the slave of two masters. This statement is as true for those who do not have much money as it is for those who may already be wealthy. it may be more of a problem for those who don’t have money as they have a compelling desire to get it. The ultimate destiny of our lives is either earthly or heavenly and the concentration of our efforts will reveal where our real treasure is.

Application

I need to be careful as to how culture has affected my view of money and earthly possessions. In light of this passage is there anything I need to do differently?