Pride and Money

The Bible seems to have a message that is meant exclusively for rich people. Most of us are rich-a rich person is anybody who has more than they need. The message is this: pride is dangerous. 1 Timothy 6:17 says "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy."

One of the reasons that pride is so dangerous is that it is a foundational sin. In other words, it is the root cause of many other types of sin. For example, pride played a key part in mankind's very first sin in the Garden of Eden. Also, pride was the sin of Satan that caused his fall from heaven. When it comes to wealth, pride and money are easily entangled.

The major obstacle for the wealthy seems to be a move toward self-sufficiency and away from a dependence on God. The following passages illustrate this danger:

Consider the warning to the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3:17: "'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.'"

Take heed of Paul's warning to the church at Corinth: "For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?" (1 Corinthians 4:7, NLT)

Moses also warned the Israelites in Deuteronomy 8:11-18: Beware…lest, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart becomes proud, and you forget the Lord your God, remember it is He who is giving you power to make wealth.

You see, we become blinded by our own success. Hard work sometimes leads to positive results and we begin to congratulate ourselves on our own ability to produce. Pride creeps in and we forget who is in control-if this happens, dwell on this:

"Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the Ruler of all mankind; your hand controls power and might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength." (1 Chronicles 29:11-12 TLB)

The views are those of Bruce Olmstead and not those of Summit Brokerage Services. Investments in securities do not offer a fix rate of return. Principal, yield and/or share price will fluctuate with changes in market conditions and, when sold or redeemed, you may receive more or less than originally invested.  No system or financial planning strategy can guarantee future results