Faith Flourishes In Adversity Not In Affluence

“The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”” – Luke 12:16-19

This past Sunday, the pastor at the church we attend, shared some interesting statistics. It seems that affiliation with protestant denominations in the U.S. and in Europe is on the decline. At the same time, in places where hardships flourish, South and Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa, just the opposite is true. It seems that those who have plenty, rather than give God the glory are building bigger barns and turning from God.  Those who have great need are turning toward God.

I thought the parable of the man and his barns was appropriate for those who enjoy prosperity and little hardship. “Take life easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!” There is spiritual danger in having plenty.  It is so easy to lose sight of our dependence on the Creator God.  The God who is the keeper of our souls.  The danger is that we begin thinking that we don’t need God.  That is the siren song of materialism.  It lures us into the rocks of failed faith.

“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 6:10

Oh, so you say that is not you?  Good! But be on guard, the temptation to trust in the things of this world has been the undoing of many self-confident Christians. The more we have, the greater the temptation.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” – 1 John 2:15

Don’t’ deceive yourself into thinking there is no spiritual danger should you be devoted to the pursuit of money and God. Don’t put your trust in the things of this world.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” – Matthew 6:24

I am not making this up.  God thought it was important enough to inspire the writers of the Old and New Testaments to warn us about the dangers. The Haitians call the United States – “Money Land”, not a place where Jehovah God reigns among its people. As for me, I would prefer the latter were true.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” – Psalm 20:7

Where are you placing your trust, really. What worries you more, your bank balance or your spiritual health and relationship with the Lord?  Think about it, then pray about it. Then repent if necessary.