Health and Wealth? NOT!

Over the years many liberals have been claiming things about the constitution that were not true. The proper interpretation of the constitution depends on the mindset of the founders, not current culture.

Many people do the same thing with the Bible, they change the meaning of things to fit the culture, rather than going to the Author to find His meanings.

Unless we are reading the Word, desiring to learn His truth, we will not be able to understand or discern wisdom.

James 1:5 "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Matthew 7:7 ""Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Matthew 7:8 ""For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

Notice in verse 6 of Matthew 7, we see that God will not give wisdom to those who do not want it.

Matthew 7:6 "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."

When God says He will give whatever we ask, He is not referring to material goods or financial advancement, He was referring to His wisdom. Remember when Solomon asked for wisdom? Because he asked for wisdom and desired that above all else, God also blessed him with material wealth.

Notice what it did to Solomon, he began being proud of himself for all his knowledge about this life. He disobediently piled up for himself many wives of pagan religions. He allowed these wives to bring in their idols and even he indulged in the bowing to these dead statues along with his wives.

God's intention throughout the word was not to heap worldly wealth upon His people, but to add to their wisdom. Wisdom and truth are much greater blessings than wealth or even health. Wealth and health can build pride and reliance on those things rather than on Christ.

When we meet someone who is constantly speaking about obeying God to get wealthy, we can honestly say we have met someone who is preoccupied with becoming rich.

Remember at the end of Solomon's life, he finally came to his senses and realized the futility of all that he had pursued, referring to it as "vanity."

Ecclesiastes 1:2 ""Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." (vanity: Meaninglessness).

It is my considered opinion that God answered Solomon's request for wisdom, however He also gave him great wealth to show us what happens to someone who obtains it. Even the godliest of men have temptations to use that wealth in ways that dishonor God.

Great wealth more often than not, distracts the user from God, more willing to accept worldly things because of what the money can buy, they weer off the narrow road. Great wealth can buy everything our worldly hearts desire, even friendship with people who do not love our God.

Solomon's story proves all this, if all we had was his life story all by itself, we would have enough to see that God's purpose for His people was not to be wealthy, but to be spiritually healthy and holy.

1 Peter 1:16 "because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM "

No where in the Word do we see God commanding anyone to become wealthy, but there are many that command us to be holy and grow in wisdom. And, there are warnings about those who are wealthy having a harder time getting into heaven.

Next time you encounter someone who claims God meant for Christians to be wealthy, remind them of Solomon. Then remind them that Christ Himself was poor and insignificant financially in His time. Then there were the apostles who walked everywhere depending on the kindness of believers to house them as they went on from place to place to bring the gospel to the unsaved and encourage the saints.

Wealth is neither here nor there in terms of salvation, however it can be an indication of where our heart is, if we strive to have money and possessions. There will be those who are godly and wealthy, but few, most believers have enough, and many have barely enough to survive. This life is not about our financial condition but about our spiritual one.