A practical lesson in life

'The love of money is the root of all evil.'  (1Timothy 6:10)

We will sacrifice our friends and even our Christian family when the love of filthy lucre takes over our senses of right and godly behaviour. We will lie and cheat, deceive and hide, even rob God of his first part, when we surrender our consciences and fall in love with money more than the love of doing what is right and being honest.

‘Do not fret yourself because of evil-doers, neither be envious at the workers of injustice, For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.’ (Psalm 37:1-2)

‘Do not fret yourself because of him who prospers/advances himself in his way (to his own ends), who brings wicked devices (deceitful agendas) to pass.’ (Psalm 37:7)

When we see injustices, and deceitful men prospering themselves in unjust and unholy ways, especially those who call themselves Christian, it can bring a real grief to our spirits, particularly when those people are our supposed friends and co-workers.  We can then end up fretting (or as we may interpret it today, stressing out because of their unjust behaviour).

When people we trust work out their own secret agendas behind our backs, which exclude us from the same blessings or benefits that we assumed we would all share in, then we need to take notice of the teachings of the two Psalms above. 

Money is a great evil at times, especially when the love of it brings lies and deceptions that change a man’s heart from good to evil, and causes him to cheat and lie even to his friend. There are many who will identify with what I am saying.

Many of us think that money will never change us, especially if we are coming into a proper fortune or a business venture, but I have watched as the best of hearts have changed as soon as the dollar signs start flicking up and down in their eyes. All of a sudden the agenda gets changed, and prejudices and favouritisms enter in.

We have all seen the cartoon character above at some time. It is a real true picture of the destructive and hypnotic deception when money changes even a nice a person, and the love of it enters and supersedes doing what is right and just. Such a lust for the cash will make a person choose to sacrifice a good person just to get what they want.

Do not get to fret and trouble your soul to the point of distraction if this has been, or is, your experience. If they are brothers or sisters in Christ, then speak with them honestly, and give the opportunity for them to explain and put things in order. If they do so, then healing and restoration will take place, and in brotherly love you can move forward in truth and transparency together, for how can two walk together unless they are agreed in truth and light?

If the person who has acted unrighteously toward you refuses to hear you, then walk away and leave the judgment to the Lord. (There is of course a place to bring them before the church leaders to try and sort the issue, but nowadays that is most unlikely to happen due to unwillingness, or simply because the person feels no obligation to do so).

Do not avenge yourself, for the Lord God is the avenger of all those who hurt his children, and will deal with them after his own measure.

Pray for them that they might truly repent and put things right with God and seek to make restitution and find a way of peace with you. And, of course, as a follower of Jesus, forgiveness and reconciliation is the new nature that you have within you from being born again.

We seek reconciliation, but that can only come from speaking the truth in love, and when the offending party is willing to put things right.

Do not harbour a grudge or root of bitterness, for that will only spoil your walk and hinder your progress.

God will see you through. 

JGM  2022   Just telling it like it really is at times.