CONCERNING RICHES by G

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 25, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 12.

CONCERNING RICHES.

By G

“The Word of the Lord endureth forever,” therefore whatever it predicts will surely come to pass. That Word portrays the character and doom of the rich men of the last days in very striking terms:—

“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 moth-eaten. 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. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.” James 5:1-5.

But “the mercy of the Lord [also] endureth forever,” and He has given the wealthy class unerring counsel as to how they may avoid the coming storm. In giving instruction to Timothy concerning his evangelistic and pastoral work, Paul says:—

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches; but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 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.” I Tim. 6:17-19.

It is always wise to heed the counsel of the Lord. There are many precious promises in His Word, but they are all based on the obedience of faith. A fearful experience awaits those who obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess. 1:7, 8.

And to those who desire to be rich, whether they succeed or not, there is also a solemn warning. “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15. “Having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” I Tim. 6:8, 9.

How much better to heed the Word of the Lord and seek the true riches. It simply means letting go that which is sure to bring trouble, and laying hold of that which promises blessing forevermore. Riches properly and unselfishly used may be utilized as a friend (Luke 16:9). By realizing that the holder is only a steward of that which belongs to God, and that in a faithful stewardship there is eternal reward, the results of covetousness and selfishness may be avoided. “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon [margin, “riches”], who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Verse 11.

God has plainly indicated whom He has chosen to inherit everlasting wealth. “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?” James 2:5. Now a man may be possessed of considerable means, and yet be poor in this world and rich in faith. Abraham was an example of this class. Having much wealth, it was all subject to the demand of the Lord's cause; and Abraham dwelt in tents, recognizing that he was but a sojourner in the land of promise. He looked far ahead for the inheritance of true riches. See Heb. 11:8-10.

Nor does it follow that because a man is penniless he is therefore “rich in faith.” He may be poor out of sheer profligacy or lack of energy, and yet have no faith. His heart may be set on riches just as much as the heart of the millionaire, and his covetousness may be just as intense. The two thieves crucified with Christ were doubtless both poor men, but only one of them became rich in faith. He found a mine of true riches at the last moment of opportunity, and quickly seized upon it.

So every day, amid all the energies and activities and ambitions of life, proves the last moment of opportunity for thousands of people of all ages and conditions. Not an individual on earth knows that he will have a to-morrow. To-day may be the reader's last opportunity to lay up treasure in heaven. Will the opportunity go by unimproved? G.