14/01/2023 - THE MISTAKE OF DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES

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Woe to those who join house to house; they add field to field, till there is no place where they may dwell alone in the midst of the land! Isaiah 5.8

The error of man today is threefold, as the Lord said in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13.1-23). Man is fascinated by the possibility of amassing riches, as if this will protect him from the evils of the world. He is like a field full of thorns, where the seed falls and produces little or nothing. This is bad, it does not come from God, and it only serves to show a proud, conceited and vain heart. Now, does it take so much to be happy? Be vigilant!

Many people also worry about what Christ called the cares of this world. This is demonic, as is the deceitfulness of riches. Now, whatever must happen to your life will happen, unless you are strong in faith and pray for God to protect you. Why so much worry, when the Lord has promised not to leave or forsake those who do His will? (Hebrews 13.5,6). It is best to walk hand in hand with the Most High, so never deviate from this.

Jesus also spoke of the covetousness for other things. Some may be normal, but there are evil ones, such as possessing someone’s spouse, taking someone’s farm, and other vanities. Now, we have to desire what God offers us, seeking what He shows us through His Word. To covet the good of our neighbor or what the Lord has not planned for us is a waste of time. Why do you want to know more than others?

Isaiah issued a rebuke to the covetous, saying: Woe to those who join house to house; (v. 8a). Is there any point in owning so many residences, if we only need one to live in? It is true that many people own real estate because they know how to save and trade, or do it to have an extra income in old age. But when the spirit of pride and vanity is behind this act, they must feel that the prophet’s warning refers to what they will suffer for yielding to the temptation.

Ambition for other things leads many to buy houses, estates, and other valuable items, as collectors of rarities do. They are satisfied with the possession of these goods, as if these will guarantee them happiness on Earth and then in eternity. Those who are God’s must pay heed to His command and fulfill it under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The saved person must strive to please the Most High in everything. In the end, they will live next to Him in Heaven (Colossians 3.17,23).

The spirit of selfishness always finds an excuse – making up a fake story or using another plan whose teacher is the devil – to take what belongs to others. The Lord warned: their purpose is to be alone in the midst of the land! The goods can stay by their side, but not the people. Why don’t they do the opposite, taking Jesus into their hearts? The one who is rich towards God will discover that laying up treasure in heaven is much better (Matthew 6.20).

We cannot waste time, but rather employ all our efforts to give the world the Bread from Heaven, the only one capable of satisfying the hunger that everyone has for the Truth (John 6.33ff). In this way, they will be blessed, for they have left the comfort of their homes to go to several places in the world, taking the message that heals, frees and saves man from eternal damnation. Believe and live!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares