Thursday, September 14, 2017
Matthew 13:22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
BE CONTENT WITH GOD'S BLESSINGS ... GREED CAN DESTROY FAITH IN CHRIST
Why does the Light go out in some people? Why do some people fall away from faith in Christ?
The Lord Jesus, as only the Son of God can, adds another reason to the pressure of persecution. There are also times that people hear the Good News and receive it and the light begins to shine, but being dazzled by wealth and earthly goods they turn away from Jesus and make their possessions the most important thing, their god. The Holy Spirit warns through the Apostle Paul that the love of money is "a root of all kinds of evil." In other words, like a "gateway drug" leads to the use of other more potent and dangerous drugs, covetousness is a "gateway sin" which leads to other sin, which leads further away from contentedness and from the One who graciously gives us what we need. Take care and stay away from lust in all forms, including greed.
Is this what God wants to happen? Nope. The Bible tells us in no uncertain terms that God (1 Timothy 2:4): " ... desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Is this God's fault? It is not, neither is it the only reason the Light goes out in some people. The Lord warns us urgently beforehand so that we are not deceived (Hebrews 13:5-6):
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
God help us to be content with the things that He has given us. May we be joyful above all that He has granted us faith in Christ and has graciously kept us in that faith.
