Today's Passage - 1 Timothy 6:9-10

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english I Timothy 6: 9-10   People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.   For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief.   There is nothing wrong with money itself. In the "Parable of the  talents " Jesus  indicated that  he who received 5 talents made 5 talents more; the one who received 2 talents, made 2 more, but the one who was given 1 talent returned with the same amount.  From our view point, we may feel the one who returned the same amount given was pretty faithful, but the Lord called him a wicked and slothful servant instead!  It is quite apparent the definition of "being faithful" according to God involves earning a return upon what is given.  God wants us to make a good return from what He has given us.  Therefore, it is not wrong for somebody making a fortune; but for one whose only goal is to make money and doing it by any means  such as telling a small lie, misrepresenting a lower quality merchandise as the top of the line product  or taking a short cut,  like bribing, these may seem  normal to him.  For the sake of reaching his goal, he may even sell out his friends or relatives.    Is making a fortune worth the price you are paying?  In an old Chinese saying, "Money can do anything; it can even make a ghost push the grain grinder." In reality, you may be the one pushing the grinder!  Nine out of ten wealthy people are not happy because although they may be able to buy the most comfortable beds, they cannot buy peaceful sleeps; they may be able to  afford the most expensive delicacies,  but not a good appetite; or perhaps the most beautiful house, but not  a happy family and the best insurance policy but not the peace of mind.  Money often leads us astray and makes us miserable - what a horrible truth.    In that case, shouldn't we even try to become wealthy?  That is not the point as the real questions is: Who is your Lord? Making money or Jesus Himself?  If the former is true, then you will be abandoning the Lord looking for wealth; but if the latter is true, you will be able to resist temptation by trusting the Lord, and be blessed according to His will.  May the Lord help us and instill in us a proper attitude toward money.      Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, free us from this burden and desire of becoming wealthy, but to follow you willingly because there is real peace, joy and fulfillment in you.  May the Lord take away the shackle of money and set us free.  With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!