"TREASURES ~ WEALTH ~ GREED!"

There is nothing wrong with a fine home, a reliable car, or  comfortable income. All these may be used to glorify God. The trouble comes when they begin to take a preferred place to God on our list of values.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)

"And he said, 'All these have I kept from my youth up.' Now Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, 'Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that one hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have
treasure in heaven: and come follow me.' And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, 'How hardly shall they that have riches
enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God'." Luke 18:21-25 (KJV)

Jesus ordered this young ruler to go and sell his earthly possessions and give them to the poor; then to follow him. The young ruler would not depart from his worldly possessions, and so, went away
sorrowful. Jesus shows here that the young ruler loved himself more than he loved his neighbor (the poor), and he loved his possessions more than he loved God. This passage teaches us the seriousness of true discipleship. However, it does not mean the average man must sell his possessions in order to be a Christian.

"And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." Acts 2:44,45 (KJV)

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." 2Corinthians 8:9 (KJV) "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But
made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness if men." Philippeans 2:5-7 (KJV)

Christ decided not to continue enjoying His heavenly existence. Though the Son could have maintained this divine life-style in heaven that God enjoyed, he did not. Rather, he assumed a servant's position and
appeared in the likeness of men.

"He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: also is vanity." Ecclesiates 5:10 (KJV) It is not wealth, but the drive for wealth, that does not satisfy the
Lord.

"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therefore content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into
many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced
themselves through with many sorrows." 1Timothy 6:7-10 (KJV)

Application: Although there is nothing wrong with material possessions in themselves, it is what priority we give them that makes the difference. ONLY when Christ and His Salvation are first in our lives,
are we then freed from bondage to what is perishable.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us such values that place Your Son, Jesus Christ, first in our lives. Above all, give us a believing mind and a thankful heart. Thank you Lord, for all you have given us ~ beginning
with the gift of Your love and forgiveness and ending with everlasting life. We Praise You Lord! In Jesus' Precious Name we pray, Amen.

Have a Blessed Day ~ As You Follow The Son!