p. 16 | About Riches.-

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 25, 1897

About Riches.—

The Word of God gives very plain warnings to people whose aim is to accumulate wealth in this world. One would naturally suppose that professed believers in this Word, if no others, would heed its injunctions. If these do not exemplify its teachings, how can it be expected that others will? The Saviour says:—

“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.” Matt. 6:19-21.

It is clear from this that the Lord does not give this advice because he needs our treasure for himself. He advises us for our own benefit. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” is his counsel. Why?—Because in that way it will not be lost to us; it is safe from any of the vicissitudes that arise in this uncertain world. It is not our means that the Lord wants, but our hearts. “Son, give me thine heart.” If he has gained the heart, he has saved the soul. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” So he seeks to be the depository of our treasures that he may gain possession of our hearts, in order to secure the salvation of our souls. This thought is further emphasized by the apostle Paul:—

“Having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich [not merely they that are rich, but they that desire to be rich] fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred [margin, “been seduced”] from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1 Tim. 6:8-11.

Thus we are told that the dangers in the way of laying up treasures in this world are so great that the man of God should flee from them. Then the apostle adds a special injunction to them who are already rich:—

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, 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.” Verses 17-19.