Jesus repeatedly warned about the spiritual dangers of riches. Wealth is not sinful in itself, but it can easily create pride, false security, covetousness, and dependence on possessions instead of God. The deceitfulness of riches can choke the Word of God and make a believer spiritually unfruitful. Unfortunately, many preachers today speak strongly against poverty but say very little about the dangers of riches. Some even present material prosperity as the main evidence of God’s blessing. Yet Jesus warned that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. Whether we have little or much, we must never allow money to take the place of God in our hearts. Let us therefore guard ourselves against greed, covetousness, and the love of money. Our greatest treasure must be Christ, and whatever God gives us should be used for His glory and for things of eternal value. Scriptural Readings for the Day Matthew 13:22 (KJV) 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. Luke 12:15 (KJV) 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Mark 10:23–24 (KJV) 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! Prayer Lord Jesus, keep my heart from the deceitfulness of riches, greed, and covetousness. Help me to trust in You alone and to use everything You give me for Your glory. Let Christ remain my greatest treasure, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
