Changi Chapel

"People who long to be rich, fall into temptation ……And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows!" 1 Timothy 6:9-10

An inordinate desire and attachment to the things of this present world, is a prevailing cause of a believer‘s spiritual downfall.

Unless this evil principle is mortified in its root, by the doctrine of the cross – it will in time prevail over the most splendid profession of any believer.

That love of the world, which is inconsistent with the true love of God – manifests itself in two different ways.

The first is covetousness or greediness for gain. This was the ruin of Judas, and probably the cause of the defection of Demas.

Demas seems to have had much of Paul’s confidence and esteem for a season. Yet at length his covetous passion prevailed, and the last account we have of him from the apostle, is, "Demas has deserted me – because he loved this present world."            (2 Timothy 4:10)

The second is people not chargeable with the love of money for its own sake – for they rather squander it – than hoard it. Yet they are equally under the influence of a worldly spirit! They manifest their worldly hearts – by an expensive taste in the articles of dress, furniture and feasting – which are always unsuitable to a Christian profession.

Those who love the Lord, and whose spirits are lively in His service, will avoid both stinginess and selfish extravagance.

They will rather lean to the frugal side in how they spend their money on themselves – that they may be better able to promote God’s cause, and to relieve the necessities of His people.

In whatever degree the "love of the world" prevails – the "health of the soul" will proportionately decline.

What would you savor more today – the "joy of the Lord" or the pleasures of riches?

John Newton (1725 – 1807)
Author/Pastor/Hymn Writer (Amazing Grace)

© John Newton

Your comments, thoughts or suggestions are welcome. The body text is by the author, the header and the words in italics are mine – John B. Samuel