Matthew 6:19-21: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

ABSTRACT

In a world increasingly driven by the allure of material wealth, we confront the stark warnings the Scriptures deliver to the rich. This article dissects these admonitions, drawing from the inspired words of the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, to illuminate the dangers of misplaced affections and to inspire a renewed commitment to faithful stewardship. We explore the spiritual pitfalls of wealth, the true meaning of loving our neighbor, and the urgent call to invest in eternal treasures. By examining these concepts, we equip ourselves and others to navigate the perilous times ahead with unwavering faith and unwavering dedication to God’s cause.

WEALTH’S WOEFUL WARNINGS!

The Scriptures resound with a solemn charge against the wealthy, a warning that their riches will become a source of profound misery. James 5:1-3 proclaims, “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire.” Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. This is not a mere condemnation of wealth, but a poignant reminder of its transient nature and the spiritual dangers it poses when hoarded selfishly. Proverbs 11:28 warns, “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.” Furthermore, Jesus Himself cautioned in Matthew 19:24, “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:10 declares, “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” Job 31:24-25 states, “If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much.” Ellen G. White elaborates on this theme, stating, “I saw that the words of the apostle James were applicable to many in our day who have made great profession of faith. They have gathered together treasure, but have not become rich toward God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 175, 1855). She further warns, “Many who profess to be Christians center their affections upon the world. They have a name to live, but are dead. Covetousness, the love of money, has made them idolaters” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 134, 1889). Sr. White stresses the peril of worldly attachments, writing, “The love of the world is the root of all evil, and many are losing eternal life because they are too much engrossed with the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 541, 1855). She also cautions, “Riches are a snare to many. They lead men to forget God and to become proud and self-sufficient” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 402, 1875). Those who prioritize earthly possessions over God’s work will face a terrible reckoning, their neglected opportunities bearing witness against them. What perils arise when love for others fades amid self-interest?

NEIGHBOR’S NEEDY CALL!

The commandment to “love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39) has been diluted in a culture that champions self-interest. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. Too often, we pay lip service to this divine directive while our actions betray a profound disregard for the needs of those around us. 1 John 3:17 states, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” Similarly, Proverbs 14:31 admonishes, “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.” Leviticus 19:18 commands, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.” Galatians 5:14 affirms, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Sr. White highlights the importance of demonstrating love through action, stating, “True love is not a mere sentiment. It is a principle that is active, strong, and abiding. It is seen in benevolent looks, kind acts, and gentle words” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 134, 1889). She also emphasizes the connection between love and sacrifice, writing, “Love is a plant of heavenly origin. It is not unreasonable; it does not make unjust demands. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. It does not seek its own. It is self-sacrificing, not self-serving” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 42, 1896). Sr. White describes love’s practical outworking, noting, “The law of God requires that man shall love God supremely, and his neighbor as himself. When through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ love is expressed in acts of benevolence, when to love our neighbor as ourselves means to deny ourselves in order to do others good, then there is genuine sanctification” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 139, 1904). She further explains, “Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every effort made to benefit others” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 606, 1889). When we allow material concerns to overshadow our compassion for others, we diminish the very essence of Christ’s message. True love is not passive; it is active, sacrificial, and ever-mindful of the well-being of our fellow human beings. How does greed’s grip tighten into spiritual idolatry?

COVETOUSNESS CLASHES WITH FAITH!

The insidious nature of covetousness, the “love of money,” is identified by the Apostle Paul as “the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. This is not to say that money itself is evil, but rather that the inordinate desire for it can lead to spiritual ruin. Ephesians 5:3 warns, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.” Colossians 3:5 echoes this sentiment: “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Exodus 20:17 instructs, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Hebrews 13:5 urges, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Sr. White paints a vivid picture of the consequences of covetousness, stating, “The covetous man is an idolater. He worships his gold. He trusts in it. He loves it. He will venture his soul to obtain it. He will lie for it, steal for it, and if necessary, murder for it” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 288, 1855). She further warns, “Covetousness is a species of idolatry, and is as displeasing to God as the worship of images of wood or stone” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 536, 1875). Sr. White highlights covetousness’s deceptive power, writing, “Covetousness has taken possession of the souls of many who profess to be Christians, and it is leading them to destruction” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 476, 1881). She also observes, “The spirit of covetousness is the spirit of Satan, and it is contrary to the spirit of Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 204, 1889). The pursuit of wealth can easily become an all-consuming passion, eclipsing our devotion to God and leading us down a path of moral compromise. We must guard our hearts against the seductive allure of material gain, ensuring that our financial decisions are guided by principles of righteousness and generosity. What shadows fall over society in these final times?

LAST DAYS’ LURKING PERILS!

Paul’s description of the last days in 2 Timothy 3:1-2 paints a vivid picture of a society consumed by self-love and greed: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. These characteristics are not merely societal trends; they are symptoms of a deep spiritual malaise. As Peter warns in 2 Peter 3:3-4, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” This disregard for spiritual truths and the impending return of Christ is a hallmark of the last days. Matthew 24:12 foretells, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” 1 Timothy 4:1 alerts, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” Sr. White connects this spiritual decline to the love of money, stating, “The love of money is the root of all evil. This is the sin that is especially rife in these last days, and which leads men to the greatest excesses” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 536, 1875). She also warns, “In the last days, the love of many shall wax cold. Selfishness will increase. The love of money will be the ruling motive” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 138, 1871). Sr. White describes the era’s moral decay, noting, “The last great conflict between truth and error is but a final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 582, 1888). She further cautions, “As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition” (The Great Controversy, p. 608, 1888). In such times, it is crucial that we remain vigilant, resisting the temptation to conform to the world’s values and instead, steadfastly adhering to the principles of God’s kingdom. When judgment dawns, what value do earthly treasures hold?

RICHES’ RUINOUS FATE!

The prophet Ezekiel foretells a day when earthly riches will prove utterly worthless. “They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord” (Ezekiel 7:19). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. This stark imagery underscores the futility of placing our trust in material possessions. Proverbs 11:4 reminds us, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.” Similarly, Zephaniah 1:18 declares, “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.” Psalm 49:6-7 states, “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.” Revelation 18:17 laments, “For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off.” Sr. White echoes this sentiment, writing, “Those who are living for self will soon see the utter worthlessness of all things earthly. Riches, houses, lands—all will be swept away. Nothing will be of any value in the great day of God but the characters that have been formed during the probationary period” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 131, 1909). She further emphasizes the importance of investing in eternal treasures, stating, “We should now be accumulating our treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 138, 1871). Sr. White urges preparation for eternity, declaring, “The time is coming when commandment keepers can buy neither gold nor silver, houses nor lands” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 410, 1901). She also warns, “All earthly treasures will be valueless in the day of God’s wrath” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 107, 1890). In the face of impending judgment, only spiritual treasures—faith, love, and good works—will endure. How does Christ’s challenge reshape our earthly holdings?

STEWARDSHIP’S SACRED SUMMONS!

Christ’s admonition to the rich young ruler, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21), is a timeless call to radical discipleship. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. Luke 12:33 reinforces this message: “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19 further instructs, “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.” Acts 20:35 recalls, “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 promises, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” God entrusts us with material blessings not for our personal indulgence, but for the advancement of His kingdom. Sr. White expands on this concept, writing, “God has made men His stewards, and He expects them to use His entrusted gifts for the blessing of humanity and the glory of His name” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 449, 1901). She also challenges us to consider our motives, asking, “Are you using your means for self-gratification, or to advance the cause of God?” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 474, 1881). Sr. White calls for consecrated giving, stating, “The Lord requires that a tithe be given to His treasury, and this should be regarded as a minimum” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 247, 1909). She further encourages, “Systematic benevolence should go hand in hand with the tithe” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 393, 1875). Our stewardship is a reflection of our love for God and our commitment to His purpose. What abundance flows from God’s generous heart?

PROVIDENCE’S PLENTIFUL GIFTS!

The depth of God’s love is shown in his willingness to provide for his children, not to withhold. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. God provides the earth, the sun, rain, and all things needed for life. He gives gifts of talents, and the ability to earn money. God gives these things so that we may use them to honor Him, and help our fellow man. He also gives us the gift of salvation. He provides these gifts so that we can demonstrate our love for Him by sharing these gifts with others. Matthew 6:26 observes, “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Psalm 145:15-16 praises, “The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” Sr. White writes, “We are to place in the Lord’s treasury all the means that we can spare. For this means, needy, unworked fields are calling. The money invested in this work will bring rich returns” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 49, 1909). God provides us with means to show our love for Him, and to help others, and to bring souls to salvation. Sr. White describes God’s provision, noting, “God supplies the wants of His people, not according to their merits, but according to His own riches in glory” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 200, 1905). She also affirms, “The Lord is our helper, our keeper, our deliverer. He provides for our necessities” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 178, 1904). Sr. White emphasizes grateful response, writing, “All that we possess is the Lord’s, entrusted to us to be used for His glory” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 138, 1902). She further urges, “God gives us richly all things to enjoy, that we may manifest our love and gratitude to Him by improving our opportunities to do good” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 383, 1875). What duties demand our devotion to the Divine?

In light of these concepts, my responsibilities toward God are clear: I must prioritize His kingdom above all else. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. This entails a willingness to surrender my material possessions and personal ambitions to His divine will. Matthew 6:33 encourages us to “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Proverbs 3:9-10 adds, “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Malachi 3:10 invites, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds, “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Sr. White urges us to cultivate a spirit of sacrifice, stating, “Those who make the most liberal donations to the cause of God are the ones who will realize the greatest spiritual blessings. They will feel the joy of knowing that they are co-workers with Christ in His great plan of redemption” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 474, 1881). She also emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our financial decisions, writing, “Let every one inquire, ‘How much owest thou unto my Lord?’ If you have given all, withhold not the remaining portion. Consecrate all to Him who has given His life for you” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 134, 1889). Sr. White calls for total consecration, declaring, “God requires not only the tithe, but the whole heart, the entire affections” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 160, 1855). She further instructs, “We are to give ourselves wholly to God, to be used by Him in whatever way He sees fit” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 245, 1909). I must prayerfully seek His guidance in every financial decision, ensuring that my resources are used to honor Him and advance His cause. My life must be a living testimony to the power of selfless service and unwavering faith. How do we extend heaven’s care to those nearby?

My responsibilities toward my neighbor are equally profound. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. I am called to be a channel of God’s love and compassion, extending a helping hand to those in need. This means more than just giving material assistance; it involves offering emotional support, spiritual guidance, and practical help. As Jesus taught, “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (Matthew 25:35-36). Isaiah 58:7 further emphasizes, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” James 1:27 defines, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Luke 10:27 commands, “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Sr. White challenges us to see Christ in the needs of others, writing, “In the humblest, the most destitute, the most degraded of our fellow beings, we are to see a son or daughter of God, one for whom Christ died” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 26, 1909). She also reminds us that our acts of kindness have eternal significance, stating, “Every act of self-denial, every gift bestowed to relieve the necessities of others, every act of mercy performed for the suffering and oppressed, is written in the books of heaven as done to Jesus” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 138, 1871). Sr. White promotes active benevolence, noting, “We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted” (The Desire of Ages, p. 825, 1898). She further encourages, “The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 17, 1905). My actions must reflect a genuine concern for the well-being of those around me, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ’s love.

HEAVENLY HEART REFLECTIONS!

As we navigate the complexities of our materialistic world, let us remember that true wealth lies not in the abundance of our possessions, but in the richness of our character and the depth of our devotion to God. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. Let us heed the warnings of Scripture and the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy, embracing a life of faithful stewardship and selfless service. By doing so, we can ensure that our treasures are securely stored in heaven, where neither moth nor rust can corrupt them. The message is clear: our time, talents, and resources are gifts from God, entrusted to us for His glory. Let us not squander these blessings on selfish pursuits, but rather invest them wisely in the advancement of His kingdom. By prioritizing spiritual values over material gain, we can experience the true joy and fulfillment that comes from serving God and our fellow human beings. Let us, lead by example, demonstrating the power of a life surrendered to Christ, and inspiring others to follow in His footsteps. Romans 12:2 exhorts, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Philippians 3:8 counts, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Sr. White reflects on eternal priorities, writing, “The value of time is beyond computation. Christ regarded every moment as precious, and it is thus that we should regard it” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 343, 1900). She also concludes, “Eternal interests are at stake. Let us work intelligently, thoroughly, faithfully” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 448, 1901). Sr. White inspires lasting commitment, stating, “We are to be laborers together with God, working with His methods, in His way, to save souls” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 220, 1909). She further affirms, “The work of God demands all the energies of the soul” (The Great Controversy, p. 477, 1888).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these warnings against wealth’s dangers, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about wealth and stewardship in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of faithful stewardship and God’s call to generosity?