January 5, 2006 - Genesis 13-15 and Matthew 5:1-26
Some people tend to believe that a rich person can't be a spiritual person, but that is not true. This passage teaches us some principles about being rich that are very important. Genesis 13:2 declares that Abram was very rich in livestock and silver and gold. Then, he and Lot had to separate because their possessions were too great to live close together. I would say that God had blessed them abundantly, wouldn't you? So, what can we learn about wealth from this passage? I think we find several things that are very insightful.
First of all, Abram was rich, but it did not go to his head. He did not put an emphasis on money. He was not greedy. He was willing to give ten percent of his income to God. We see this in his dealings with Lot when he let Lot choose which area in which he would live. Abram knew that his blessing came from God, so wherever he lived, he would be blessed, if he was righteous before God. Then, he fought to get Lot and his possessions back in Genesis 14, but he did not take the spoil. (v.23) It was then that he committed to give a tithe or ten percent, too. It is so evident that Abram was not caught up in riches, so God was able to make him rich and give him the land of Canaan without ruining him. God does not want us to be harmed by riches, so sometimes He withholds the riches for our own good.
Lot was different than Abram, wasn't he? He was greedy. He chose the area near Sodom to settle since it looked so prosperous, even though the people were evil. He compromised his beliefs because he wanted more money. This led to his downfall. It led him to lose everything. The love of money caused him to lose his family, which was the worst result of his greed. However, there were many negative factors in his life because of his desire to get rich.
Then, in Matthew 5 we read the beatitudes. These verses talk about being blessed. The first one is being poor in spirit. Notice, the people who are poor in spirit will receive the kingdom of heaven. Isn't that interesting? Those who are not proud or puffed up will be the ones to receive the greatest possession. There is a connection here. God blesses those who realize they can't do it themselves, so they look to him. Yes, other people can build wealth like Lot did, but what is the result of that? The wealth is not a blessing from God, but a hindrance or a curse to them and their families. We need to learn a great lesson from this about wealth. It all begins in the heart and with an attitude. Therefore, we must keep our hearts pure before God in all areas.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 16-17 and Matthew 5:27-48.
First of all, Abram was rich, but it did not go to his head. He did not put an emphasis on money. He was not greedy. He was willing to give ten percent of his income to God. We see this in his dealings with Lot when he let Lot choose which area in which he would live. Abram knew that his blessing came from God, so wherever he lived, he would be blessed, if he was righteous before God. Then, he fought to get Lot and his possessions back in Genesis 14, but he did not take the spoil. (v.23) It was then that he committed to give a tithe or ten percent, too. It is so evident that Abram was not caught up in riches, so God was able to make him rich and give him the land of Canaan without ruining him. God does not want us to be harmed by riches, so sometimes He withholds the riches for our own good.
Lot was different than Abram, wasn't he? He was greedy. He chose the area near Sodom to settle since it looked so prosperous, even though the people were evil. He compromised his beliefs because he wanted more money. This led to his downfall. It led him to lose everything. The love of money caused him to lose his family, which was the worst result of his greed. However, there were many negative factors in his life because of his desire to get rich.
Then, in Matthew 5 we read the beatitudes. These verses talk about being blessed. The first one is being poor in spirit. Notice, the people who are poor in spirit will receive the kingdom of heaven. Isn't that interesting? Those who are not proud or puffed up will be the ones to receive the greatest possession. There is a connection here. God blesses those who realize they can't do it themselves, so they look to him. Yes, other people can build wealth like Lot did, but what is the result of that? The wealth is not a blessing from God, but a hindrance or a curse to them and their families. We need to learn a great lesson from this about wealth. It all begins in the heart and with an attitude. Therefore, we must keep our hearts pure before God in all areas.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 16-17 and Matthew 5:27-48.