Warning to Hoarders

This is a grave warning to the rich who oppress field workers for personal gain. There are many negative effects that wealth can have on people's lives. The problem is not the wealth or the money itself. It's the love of money, lust for money, and the failure in stewardship. "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

All riches in this life not invested in Heavenly treasure are doomed to destruction. All the earthly possessions/wealth will rot, decay, be gone. We cannot take any of it with us when we die. How foolish it is for us to spend our whole life hoarding wealth! There are many stories/examples about wealthy people who end up miserable and lost at the end of their lives. Wealth is meant to be used for good purposes...for the good of mankind. We're blessed to be a blessing to others/to share with others (especially those in need), not to hoard for ourselves. We are to use our resources for God's glory and God's kingdom, not ours. 

God condemns cheating, taking advantage of people, dishonorable ways of obtaining and using wealth, hoarding, flaunting of wealth with luxurious living and self-indulgence. By doing these things, they were dishonoring God Who was the One Who blessed them in the first place. We must examine ourselves. I'm pretty sure most if not all of us here are "rich" :) (according to the Bible, being "rich" is having more than what we need to survive today). Are we generous? Hoarding wealth may not involve cheating people out of pay but simply an attitude of being as stingy as possible to keep more money for ourselves. It's a mindset that is self-focused and is not being considerate about others. Remember that God loves a cheerful giver and it is more blessed to give than to receive! Remember that "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (Psalm 24:1)  Everything (not just 10% of our paycheck) belongs to the Lord! Many give 10% and consider that the rest of their resources can be spent at their discretion. Let’s realize that God owns all of us, including our resources. On earth, we are simply His stewards. He entrusts us to manage all He owns in the ways that will glorify and honor Him. We need to use our resources wisely and according to His will. Invest in eternity!

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

Prayer: Father, please forgive me when I value the wrong things in life or get too attached to temporary things of the world or become discontent and tempted to want more. Please remind me what's eternally important and priceless in Your eyes and help me to focus on storing up my treasures in Heaven. Please help me be generous in my giving and direct me where I should give my (actually Your) financial resources. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.