It is easy for me to point the finger. Yes, I admit it. It is easy for me to look at others and say, "At least, I am not as bad as that."
Consider the current "economic crisis." Although I am no economist, I do understand the whole sub-prime-mortgage debacle. It is easy for me to look at the "fat cats" and say, "Ah, they got what they deserve!" After all Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 3, that this is how it will be in the end. (By the way, I realize in context there is a laundry list, that all of us fall into from time to time, and I also understand that it is speaking of a lifestyle of such things and that the true Christian should not be characterized by such a lifestyle.) The truth is from time to time, we have to plead guilty to being lovers of self and lovers of money. I pray that I am not characterized by it, but I do need to confess it from time to time.
We have been catechizing our children (If you think this is simply a product of Rome, please click here.) Our latest section is on the Ten Commandments (By the way I know Bill Mahr would find the fact that we catechize our children as extremely oppressive, but I don’t answer to him.) In this section we have, obviously, been covering the idea that God 1.) does not want us to put any other gods before Him and 2.) does not want us to worship images that try to portray Him or His creation. It has been interesting to see, how little minds think. We have tried to prompt them to see that "idols" are much more than carved images. In our post today, of course, we recognize that money can be what we ultimately love.
The whole problem begins with the fact, not that we can be lovers of money, but that we are intrinsically lovers of self. We have a bent, even as true believers, to be looking out for number one. But as believers God has given us a greater call. He has called us to bring the message of the gospel to all (Matthew 28:18-20) and to love others more than self (Philippians 2:1-11).
Dr. Albert Mohler recently pointed out (click here for the mp3) that it could be that conservative, non-word-of-faith, Evangelicals could have bought in to the prosperity gospel through the "back door." I believe this is largely true. The Scriptures tell us to be content with food and clothing (1 Timothy 6:2.) I have to admit, there are man times my "wanter" gets the best of me. Am I living a content life?
I pray that God will continue to show me and convict me of these areas more and more, and that repentance will be my response.
