Today's Passage - Col 3:5-9

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Colossians 3:5-9   Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry...   Among the many sins from our "earthly nature," greed is probably the one that we think about the least.  We think of greed as the path to getting rich in the world, and the essential stimulus for the economy.  Greed is considered perfectly normal by people of the world, but the Lord said that greed is same as idolatry.  In other word, to be greedy is same as to worship an idol.  What is the idol then?  It's money!  In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord clearly stated that one person cannot serve two masters, and we cannot serve God and serve mammon - which means money and greed - at the same time.  So how do you know whether you are serving money?  You need ask yourself the following questions: What does your heart depend on?  What is the most critical thing for you?  90% of the people will answer money.  Do you want to be rich so that you can save a lot of money in the bank?  I don't think so.  You want to be rich because you think money can give you sense of security, make others accept you, and buy friendship and love.  The reality is that one day you will realize that none of them - security, love and acceptance - can be acquired by money.  Just exactly how much money is sufficient and will make you to feel safe?  You will realize that you will never have enough money!  If your heart depends on money, you will ultimately be disappointed!  If your heart depends on the Lord, you won't be ruled by money, you will understand why the Lord taught the truth that it is better to give than to receive, and you won't be busy accumulating wealth all day long. When you buy something valuable, what would you consider first?  Whether you have enough money, or whether the Lord wants you to buy it?  If we just consider money, then we are walking on the path of serving mammon.  If money is the only criteria, then all the great missionaries in the past would not have traveled far from home to bring the gospel to all nations, and all the mission organizations should simply shut themselves down!  Because they decided to serve God and not serve mammon, God's grace on them increased with their faith.  So who are you serving?  Are you willing to start serving the true God?       Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord Jesus, please forgive me because I have often served mammon in my life, and I ask that you release from such idol worship.  Lord, give me more faith so that I can solely depend on you in my life and to follow your guidance.  May you be my Lord in all my money matters.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!