Why the Bible Warns Us Against the ‘Uncertainty of Riches’ | Eastern North Carolina Now

Publisher's note: This post appears here courtesy of the LifeZette, and written by Kimberly Faith.

    It never ceases to amaze me that when I place my greatest hope in money - I simultaneously am failing to take hold of what is truly important in life.

    The Bible warns against this: "As for the rich ... charge them not ... to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life" (1 Timothy 6‬:17-19‬).

    God's Word distinguishes "hope in the uncertainty of riches" as being at the opposite end of the spectrum from "taking hold of that which is truly life."

    This is refreshingly antithetical, since most of us live as if wealth is what matters most in life.

    Wealth is not what matters most in life.

    If we want to learn to truly live, we must take hold of God.

    Many times, taking hold of God means letting go of everything else - especially money.

    Why?

    Our love of money is a subtle trap because it consumes our time and holds our mind captive without us even realizing we've been robbed.

    Our anxiety is a sure sign we've fallen in love with money.

    The Bible says the love of money leads us into the snare of being "pierced with pangs."

    Take a look.

    "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs" (1 Timothy‬ ‭6:9-10‬).

    A close relationship with God gives Him leave to solve our piddly financial issues - not so we can have more of what the world offers.

    Rather, it's so that we can use our worldly goods to invest in eternal goodness.

    When we love God with all our heart, soul and mind, we learn to truly live.