The economy has been on a downward spiral for quite some time now. Pessimists have concluded that it’s now a hopeless situation. If recent media reports of high levels of corruption happening at alarming figures are anything to go by then we need serious introspection at all levels of governance. Devotion,Erasmus Makarimayi While the ordinary person is struggling to have a decent meal, clothing and shelter, those tasked with the development and progress of the nation are milking the economy in millions of dollars. As I leave this to those placed to superintend our great nation, I appeal for urgent measures for posterity.
Greed has taken toll on our society. Greed is defined as intense, excessive and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. The spheres of religion, faith practices and Christianity have not been spared. In the church greed has entered surreptitiously as prosperity. Massive deception in the body of Christ has been difficult to notice. Lies are easy to decipher because they are self-exposing. Deception has an element of truth for it to be deception and an ordinary eye can’t pick it. Masses have gone down the drain. Ministers of the Word and congregants are dying of depression and hypertension because of greed. Aiming for higher without undergirding sound doctrine is futile.
More worrying is that, ministers are resorting to evil and unorthodox means to “prosper”. The seemingly rich and successful are committing suicide. Do I speak against wealth? No, the truth is that the world needs the rich to further the aspirations of mankind. The Bible teaches that the rich should be willing to share and distribute their wealth. So, everyone should desire that calling in life. Apostle Paul put it thus in 1 Timothy 6:18-19: “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Wealth has to be understood in light of eternity. 1 Timothy 6:7 hammers the point home: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
Any desire of acquiring wealth disregarding the eternal purposes of God is waste.
In life one has to define contentment; contentment being the state of happiness and satisfaction. Being born again becomes the only true framework and lens to understand wealth and prosperity. The church has erroneously taught that godliness is evidenced by wealth. Materialism is not equal to godliness. Many have turned in hoping for money.
In fact, some ministries have been formed in order to amass wealth and ministers of the Word have called themselves into ministry to gain wealth.
1 Timothy 6:5-6 clarifies, “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
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It’s good to have incalculable wealth. The basic human needs of shelter, food and clothing should drive our values.
1 Timothy 6:8 teaches: “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
We should guard against lust and covetousness. The Bible urges us to flee. If God says flee, I can’t tell you to remain put. The passage reads in 1 Timothy 6:9-11: “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: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
There are well meaning rich people around, who rose through honest means and remain committed to God’s plan for wealth.
Ponder on Luke 9:25: “For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” As I sign out, where do you fit in; greed, prosperous and contented? You are going somewhere.
All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible. Email: [email protected] Fellowship with Pastor Makarimayi on Facebook and on www.twitter.com/PEMAKARIMAYI. Telephone +263 712 332 632
