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The Love of Money

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Kat:

Hi Phazel,

I think if you look at this passage you will see what is being discussed here.

1Tim 6:7  for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world;
v. 8  but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
v. 9  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

That verse explains what is primarily being dicussed here and Paul goes on to state what this desire of money above can do.

1Tim 6:10  For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs.

I think it is this "love of money" that is the problem.

Mat 6:24  "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (wealth).

I hope this is a little help  :)

mercy, peace and love
Kat

Phil3:10:
Kat,
I think you are so right that it is the love of money and I would add the way money is spent is also an issue. I know a  person whose greatest thrill in life was each year when his accountant brought him his new financial statement. He increased his wealth yearly and this was the most important thing in his life. He had a wonderful family, which he eventually lost, but his god was money. He was very careful in spending and just hoarded his wealth or increased it to satisfy his wants to be a multi-millionaire.
I daily witness friends making a great deal of money and wasting it on foolish things. There are to many real needs that need attention but they are consumed with their own lusts for things. If the church system did it's job we would not need the welfare system we have in place today. However, they are more interested in newer and bigger buildings, outside activities and increased salaries.
Money is only a commodity, it is how much value we put on it and how we use it that counts. I have also seen people of wealth use their money in a wonderful way. They feed the poor, care for the sick and are generous in many ways. I Timothy 6:17 kind of wraps up my thinking on wealth. "Charge them that are rich in the world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living GOD, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy."
We can generally make about anything, in excess, a sin.
Phil3:10

decas247:
Hi Phazel

In terms of money and the church I believe if they really believed scripture then the modern day business money making churches would not be as they are today, if they have faith in God , God says if we submit ourselves to God he will grant the desires of our heart.
But I don’t believe a lot of modern day church institutions really believe this. Ray does not ask for any donations but many of us are compelled to give, even without him asking us, God just puts it in the hearts of those of us, and we give to Ray without being pushed. Because he gives to us freely.

In Matt 6 shown below says
 
6:30
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

6:31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat ? or, What shall we drink ? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed ?

6:32
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

6:34

If we would just believe this scripture, I know sometimes we are all guilty of not remembering this scripture when the going gets tough. Most of the modern day churches do not believe these scripture or as Kat mentioned earlier, there would not be a welfare system and the church would take care of these needs.
 I can testify that when you really seek God he does supply all your needs, that even in the mist of not knowing where the next money will come from and in the mist of difficult times he has been there for me. And as well as being part of bible truths, believe it or not God has allowed me to come across another positive organisation which is not like the conventional church.  I have joined this organisation as they are helping people from all walks of life get back on their feet and a reason to hope again. This organisation aids in all different areas of peoples lives such as health, fitness, dieting, relationships, personal development , spiritual, charity etc and at the same time helping these same people get out of debt, off welfare, off drugs and living a life they would have never thought possible. They have brought nations and cultures and people from all different backgrounds together to help one another. I have attended quite a few of their seminars which are international.  I was just thinking to myself if the church, had a system like this in churches. instead of a hierarchy , where only the Pastors and Deacons and what not, get the most wealth, whilst the rest of the church and the nation around them remains poor , then things would be a lot better. And this organisation has only been going for two years but is international and is changing lives worldwide just like bible-truths except they do not profess to be Christians, Muslims,  Buddhists etc, but their philosophy is if you help others and develop yourself mentally, then you will be helped but their approach is  a more hands on of helping others.  These churches could learn a lot from this as I would rather attend and be a part of that organisation than attend any of these money making business orientated churches any day.


God Bless

Selina :)

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