Let Us Choose Christ Before Cash

According to an article by Tommy Beer in the 10/8/2020 Forbes magazine, the top 1% Of U.S. households hold 15 times more wealth than the bottom 50% combined.  The article goes on to give an example of this concentration of wealth in Elon Musk, who recently became the world’s fifth centibillionaire.  His wealth increased over 200% during the first eight months of 2020 while the COVID-19 pandemic was wreaking havoc worldwide.

 

Many admire the uber rich and spend their lives trying to become wealthy. However, Harrison Johnson wrote a song entitled, “I Have Decided To Make Jesus My Choice.”  A few of the lyrics are, “Some folks would rather have houses and land, some folks choose silver and gold, these things they treasure and forget about their souls; I’ve decided to make Jesus my choice.”  Where our treasures are, lies our heart (Matthew 6:21). 

 

The Bible tells us to put our treasures in heaven where thieves and deterioration have no access (Matthew 6:19-20).  The Bible further advises us to desire the eternal things in heaven rather than the temporary pleasures of this world system (Colossians 3:1, 2; 1 John 2:17).  The reason is that all that is in the world is lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).  Only what we do for Christ will last.  

 

The Bible does not say that people should not be rich but that they should not trust their riches and instead put their hope in God. They should do good deeds and share with others so that they can attain the life that is truly life (Timothy 6:17-19).  Let us all seek God first and foremost so that He can provide all the things that we need.  Let us prioritize Christ over material things.

 

Matthew 6:21

New International Version

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

Matthew 6:19-20

New International Version

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

 

Colossians 3:1, 2

New International Version

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

 

1 John 2:17

New International Version

17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

 

1 John 2:16

New International Version

16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world

 

Timothy 6:17-19

New International Version

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 

18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 

19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.