We are living in a very materialistic world where many people are money-oriented and things-oriented. These people are most concerned about material possessions. Some stop at nothing to obtain money and valuable things; while others would kill for money. Still others rather risk their own lives just to become wealthy. One may ask, when is enough, enough?
The Bible warns: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9). A snare is a trap for catching birds or animals. Once caught, there’s no getting away.
Money and possessions do not make everyone happy or satisfied. For example, people who are addicted to gambling. They experience bouts of depression, despair and anxiety unless they are actually engaged in some form of gambling. And even when their losses are adding up, they feel by taking another chance, and another chance, they will eventually hit the jackpot. History reveals they continue to lose.
The Bible also says, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Take note, it is the love of money, and not the money itself that’s the evil.
It is hard to imagine how people would ruin and destroy their personal lives because of yielding to temptation. The Scriptures have much to say about temptation. And that the devil is the source of temptation. That’s why Christians are exhorted to “Resist the devil and he will from you” (James 4:7).
Temptation is natural to the human mind. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). It is not sin to be tempted. Sin is committed when a person yields to temptation. Temptation will consume any one who does not have the will and desire to resist.
The Lord Jesus Himself was tempted by the devil while He was in the wilderness. But the Lord never yielded to the temptation. On each of the three occasions, Jesus referred the devil to the Scriptures. On the final occasion, Jesus told the devil, “It is said, ’You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Luke 4:12). The Scripture further states, “And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him” (Luke 4:13).
Anyone who assumes that God tempts people, should perish the thought. The Bible makes it absolutely clear that God cannot tempt anyone, and gives the following explanation.
“Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived” (James 1:13-16).
God will provide the means for His children to resist temptation when it occurs. The Bible says: “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Greed, is an intense and selfish desire for something, including money, because it causes people to develop an insatiable appetite for more than they actually need to live. It is also known that greed can lead to anxiety, depression and stress.
Is there a cure for the aforementioned lifestyle? Yes, there is help for those who are willing to make the necessary change(s). One must first turn to God and prayerfully trust Him for help to make the change.
The Bible tells us, “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
Let us not miss the fact “we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world” (1 Tim. 6:7). Self-discipline and self-control is required here.
Contentment is the key. True godliness will certainly bring about the contentment we need. because with godliness it is great gain. The word contentment means to be in a state of happiness and satisfaction. And these are essentially found in God. Genuine contentment will never come from earthly, perishable possessions, but only from God.
The writer of Hebrews says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). God promises He will never leave us nor forsake us. And His promises are absolutely true.
The apostle Paul was fully satisfied in any state he found himself in. Hence, he declared, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Paul learned the secret of contentment. But it has to be in whatever situation we find ourselves.
Everything we need is found in God. David says, “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot” (Psalm 16:5).
Never forget: “Godliness with contentment is great gain. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:8).