ICS Daily Devotions
Does Pursuing Wealth and Success Cause Sorrow?
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NKJV) But those who DESIRE to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (emphasis added)
What is the cost of pursuing success and wealth in this ever-changing world economy? At times, the spouse is the one who pushes the sole bread winner not to disappoint the family and has demands for a much better life! This will add stress and disagreement between the spouses which will cause sorrow.
There may also be anxiety when we have a lot of money because we may not trust anyone. We will question the motives of people who are close to us and who want to befriend us. It will slowly but surely have a control over our lives. This is another kind of sorrow, not having any real friends!
Many have lived in regret and sorrow if they are honest with themselves when they are reflecting on their deathbed. Imagine if someone is on their deathbed and reflects upon the broken marriages, the strained relationships with their children and the hurtful words that have been uttered. Unfortunately, we might not be aware or live in denial while we are pursuing success and significance regardless of the cost we are paying. Many have lived a life filled with pain and sorrow despite their riches. However, we can still make the decision to repent and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior!
The greatest sorrow besides those on earth is in hell when we are separated from the Lord for eternity. This applies to those who have procrastinated in their decisions to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The word ‘perdition’ refers to the damnation of men who have chosen the desire to be rich and the love of money over making Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. You would have read of how a rich man was suffering in Hades (see Luke 16:19-31). He was remorseful and his memory reminded him of his brothers who were still on earth. It was a place of regret without any opportunity to turn back or make things good.
It is the DESIRE TO BE RICH AND THE LOVE OF MONEY that is the root of ALL KINDS OF EVIL! Some people have a seared conscience and are void of emotions when they are pursuing money and significance in life.
Money is neutral. All of us need money to pay for housing, children’s education, daily necessities regardless whether we are rich, middle class or poor. But it is better to have our identity in Christ so that it is easier to start all over again if there is a need to do so in this fluctuating economic environment.
Sermon Series – Balancing Godliness and Riches
