Reverence

"Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble. (Proverbs 15:16 NKJ)

People who desire to teach against riches and wealth claim Jesus taught about money more than any other subject. After doing a personal but precursory biblical search of money and related terminology (money, riches, wealth, possessions, mammon and so forth), I am not convinced of the accuracy of such claims. As a caveat, I submit that a comprehensive study would be in order, but I am not aware of any current scholarly study in this subject.

After almost 40 years as a pastor, I can say, it is almost anathema for any minister of the Gospel to mention material things in a negative way in his/her sermon. Yet, there is a negative note that must be sounded. Material wealth (money) cannot be trusted. It is difficult to amass and easy to lose. It cannot buy you eternal life, neither your tithe at church nor the amount you donate to charities.

Perhaps we all can relate cases in which material wealth caused grief to an individual, to a family, or to a church. To the individual there is temptations to chase after more, and the temptations to be greedy and miserly. In families, wealth has caused disputes, relational destruction, hatred, bitterness, as well as murder just to name some "grief" issues. In the church, wealth has caused some to discontinue their faithful stewardship. Wealth has caused some churches to become greedy and miserly, storing up financially but refusing to fund ministries.

Now, another caveat. I too need money. I too would like a bank account that held large amounts. I too want to be financially independent of this world's system. Yet, I am not willing to give up my fear of God for material wealth. I am not willing to accept the trouble that comes with great treasures. I am not willing to lay aside the will of God in order to follow the will of man.

And please understand this. I am neither criticizing nor accusing my wealthy friends, in any way. Also, I am not teaching against riches or wealth. It is important to consider that material wealth is a blessing from God and from faithfulness to God. In addition, wealthy people can be just as faithful in their stewardship as poor people. And poor people can be just as greedy and miserly as those who hoard great treasures.

This is not a question of "to be or not to be." Rather, it is an issue of trust. It is an issue of providing for one's family. It is an issue of stewardship. It is an issue of faithfulness to God. And, the Wise Teacher gives us a general principle to help guide us. It is better to have the fear of God in poverty than to possess great wealth and the trouble that comes with it. NO! IT IS NOT BETTER TO BE POVERTY-STRICKEN!

Rich, poor or in between, it is better to possess the fear of the Lord! The fear of the Lord is best! Whatever our financial status, the fear of the Lord should direct our lives!

Dear Father, thank you for the material blessings you bestow on us. Empower us to maintain our reverence of you and our faithful stewardship to you. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Let your reverence of God direct you today,