YBible Thoughts Y

August 23, 1998

One of the major faults of our current society is the attitude that any problem can be solved with money. If one has enough money, it is believed he can do anything, buy anything and live in a splendid life style that satisfies every desire the person may have or envision.

Simon the former sorcerer lived in an age that reflected, to some degree, the attitude described in the previous paragraph. Having observed the power that was possessed by the apostles, his past paganism told him that he could, as had been the practice with sorcerers, purchase the gift of laying on hands with money. There is no doubt that wealth did have a powerful influence upon people and could buy much that would satisfy the desires of the flesh. However, money could not purchase the power vested in the apostles. The price that had been paid for that power was the death of Jesus Christ. The devotion of these men and their selection by Jesus enabled them to receive that power from God. When Simon was taught the truth, he asked that Peter pray for him that "none of the things which thou has spoken come upon me"(Acts 8:24).

Money may purchase many material objects, much that will satisfy the flesh, and the power that will cause some to control others. For money, men will lie, cheat, and steal. They will betray those that are close to them and ruin those whom they consider their enemies. Some will exhaust themselves physically, and yes--spiritually, in order to accumulate those things that belong only to this life. The almighty dollar has led untold numbers into a life that leaves out the God that created them.

Material wealth can also have a positive effect. When one views it in the right perspective, it is a means to have food, shelter and clothing. It is an opportunity to do good through sharing with others one's possessions. Money can be the means for providing needed care when the family is sick and in need. The Lord's church must have the funds contributed by the individual in order to carry on the commands of the gospel. A proper steward accepts the material blessings of God while recognizing such would not exist without the Almighty granting life and health to the one so benefiting. It is not wrong, then, to have money; it is wrong to use if for the wrong purpose or to neglect one's service to God to increase material wealth.

In all of this, we must understand there are some things that cannot be acquired with money. All of the wealth of this world is not going to bring happiness. All of the wealth of the world is not going to bring satisfaction. All of the wealth of the world will not bring a cheerful disposition. All of the wealth of the world cannot save a person in the day of judgment. Please note the following specific characteristics that cannot be purchased with money:

Faith cannot be acquired with material substance. The source of faith is the heart(mind) of one, not gold or silver. Faith comes by hearing the word of God(Romans 10:17). You cannot buy it and you cannot wish it. Only by trusting in what God said will it be produced.

Love cannot be acquired with material substance. This emotion is also produced by the word of God(John 16:10). Many have tried to buy the affections of a young lady by showering her with all kinds of gifts only to find out that it did not produce the love the suitor desired. However liberal one is with material substance, whether giving to God or to fellow man, such will not produce the love for God every person needs. Love first; give afterward.

Faithfulness is something that cannot be bought. Faithfulness is something that one does(Matthew 24:45- 16). Through the years, in some cases, this writer has observed an influence being exerted on decisions of brethren by the financial stature of some individuals instead of considering the faithful soul who is poor and has been all of his life. In an effort not to offend a large contributor, there can be a strong temptation to overlook the faults(or the false positions) of the giver.(Always remember: it is not the size of the gift but the sacrifice that was made in order to offer the gift.)

A home in heaven cannot be purchased at the local real estate office. While they can sell you a nice home in a great neighborhood, a realtor cannot take your money and give you a deed to a place in paradise. When one leaves this world, not one cent will be taken into the next life. "A certain rich man" was asked by God "the things which thou has prepared, whose shall they be?"(Luke 12:20). This man had used wealth to prepare for a "good life" in this life, but neglected the preparation for the next life. Material substance is for a material existence, not a spiritual state.

Simon found he could not purchase spiritual gifts with money. Nor can we buy the most valuable of all gifts, approval from God, with material substance.

Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech.

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.