Stocks End Higher for Sixth Straight Week, Tech Leads - Reuters
The Bible does not say that money is the root of all evil. At least my Bible doesn't say that (I use the Authorized King James version!). It does say that the 'Love" of money is the root of all evil though. The Bible says:
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil (I Timothy 6:6-10, emphasis mine).
But our Lord Jesus has a lot say about money. Here are just two examples:
"Again I tell you that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 19:24
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust do corrupt and where theives do break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt and thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21
I think it is a true saying that our Lord Jesus talked more about hell than he did about heaven, and he talked more about money than he did about both heaven and hell combined!
I think Jesus is totally opposed to the materialism of our age (and the poor can be just as materialistic as the rich!). But Jesus is not opposed to money. He is opposed to the love of money, which is a big difference.
The Bible says:
"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God, for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his kingdom which he swore unto thy fathers." - Deuteronomy 8:18
We had a missionary couple speak at our church recently, and they said that on average, it costs about $40,000 a year to support a 'boots on the ground' missionary in a foreign country. That money is not going to come from people living on welfare who spend their money on cigarettes and beer and Lottery tickets. Chances are much of this money will come from people who work, and save, and invest their money wisely, so that they have extra to give to the Lord's work here on earth.
One of my relatives was in the banking industry for many years. She used to say, 'Invest in the Lord, for the returns are out of this world!'
Recommended reading (articles by Dr. Don Sweeting)
Celebrating the Legacy of John Calvin - Pastor, Preacher, Reformer, Church Planter Part 1
Celebrating the Legacy of John Calvin - Influencer of Culture, Government, Economics, Education, Part 2
Celebrating the Legacy of John Calvin - Theologian, Author of The Institutes, Part 3
Further recommended reading (my posts):
Calvinism Refuted - And Defended!
The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Go Hungry
