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Writings of David Chadwell But those who want to get rich fall into
temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men
into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil,
and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced
themselves with many griefs. (Paul in 1Timothy 6:10)
Fortunately my week began typically. I got my half cup of coffee, sat at my
computer, and read my e-mail messages. As usual, Monday’s messages were over 75%
spam. Most of them wanted one thing—money. The authors of the messages
frequently promised me (whom they do not know) incredible sums of money if I
give them information that allows them access to my money. Or, they promise me
great monetary success if I will buy a product. Or, they challenge me to
generosity that benefits them.
In most of my spam messages, people are confident that if they can stimulate my
greed nerve, they can soothe (for a moment) their greed nerve.
Though I have witnessed it many times, I never cease to be amazed at the people
who are convinced that money is the answer--the answer to problems; the answer
to indebtedness; the answer to a desire for pleasure; the answer to
significance; the answer to security; etc. Name the need, and someone thinks
money is the answer [even in spiritual matters!].
Too little do we realize that money brings new problems--new forms of
indebtedness that dig new, deeper holes [he or she who cannot manage little
cannot manage much]; common substitutions of indulgence for pleasure that create
enslaving addictions; a frequent introduction to despair.
This is not intended to be a slam on wealth! Some early Christians had wealth!
Paul said to them (1 Timothy 6:17-19)--Instruct those who are rich in this
present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of
riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct
them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so
that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
He or she who can escape greed while having money is wise. He or she who defines
self by relationship with God is wise. He or she who understands how to use
wealth for God’s purposes rather than allowing wealth to use him or her for its
purposes is wise. He or she who lets God’s values determine how wealth is used
rather than allowing wealth determine how he or she is used is wise. He or she
who refuses to measure self by “what I have” is wise.
May this be our ambition: “Who I am is determined by God. What I have is
determined by God. How I use what I have is determined by God. Only God’s will
measures me.”
Careful: Money does not offer us everything. To many, money gives only an
internal emptiness and coldness. To the unwise, money costs rather than gives.
“God, deliver us from the deceit of our own greed. Help us listen to You instead
of deceiving ourselves.”
Link to other
Writings of David Chadwell
