ICS Daily Devotions
Pierced with Many Sorrows
1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV) 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)
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 a higher status in life.
There is now a new trend in society that when someone gets married, it is more for money and status than for genuine love. A need to marry up and despising the poor. This is one of the ways and desires to get rich quickly. It is established and built on a conditional love that comes with its rights, privileges and conditions. This kind of marriage will not last during challenging times, especially when there is a loss in wealth, status or class. Nowadays, the woman or man might even find a way to “jump ship” when the one he/she is on is sinking especially during this pandemic! There is also a tendency to commit adultery when the marriage is not established on genuine love and commitment. This is a betrayal regardless whether it comes as a result of a loss in wealth, status or class or just purely the lust of the flesh to have someone else in life in order to have a better financial security. It is like a trade! There will be emotional scars and sorrows. Therefore, if you are single, you might want to take time to figure out what you really want out of a marriage relationship.
The social media is also a huge influence in our lives especially on the young people of today. Some have made millions of dollars if they have a huge following, but it has also brought sorrows in their pursuit to be recognized. We live in a culture where we crave affirmation, attention and love through the number of ‘likes’, ‘loves’, roses and good comments left on our social media. It has developed a stronghold in our lives regardless whether we believe it or not. Some people say that the social media platform is an avenue for us to boast about our lifestyles, achievements, possessions, associations and the class we belong to in society. We are never content unless we have new and better things to post in order to attract more friends, admirers and supporters! It has become like an idol worship in our lives. Some desire to be an internet star or sensation! Young people have committed suicide or gone into depression because of the lack of affirmation, ‘likes’ and ‘loves’ on their social media and of course it doesn’t help when there are internet bullies.
In order not to live a life of sorrow during the course of our lives, on our deathbeds or at worst case in eternity, we need to make a conscious decision to live our lives very differently now. Our identity should be grounded in Christ and not possessed by the world.
Sermon Series – Balancing Godliness and Riches
