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Envy Not The Rich and Famous
By Robert
We see them every day in the news.
They are called the "elite" of society;high-powered businesspeople, socialites, actors and actresses, performers, politicians, celebrities all. Nary a day goes by that we do not see them displayed with symbols of their well-to-do lifestyle; the money they see in a month many of us will never see in a lifetime. Indeed, our most expensive possessions would be considered trash in their homes.
Sadder still, a day does not pass that we do not hear word of their latest "conquests", or news of their recent exploits no matter how crude and vulgar they may be. Their opulence stuns us, yet their depravity appalls us. For all their wealth, their vices seem to be far more base than many whom litter the gutters of dark back alleys in the bad side of town. Yet, many yearn and strive to be like them; thousands adore these individuals as idols, to be admired, respected and even emulated in both appearance and deed.
Let's see what scripture says about these individuals and their "wealth":
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And 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. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:7-10, KJV, emphasis mine)
Note that scripture here does NOT say "they that ARE rich", but "they that WILL be rich". In other words: those that make becoming rich their primary goal in life and strive only for that purpose. God gives us all different assets; we are not told what to do with them, only that he expects a return on them
"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." (1 Timothy 6:17-19, KJV)
Unfortunately, many today see these assets as a means for their own comfort, instead of using them as God intended: to aid in spreading the Word of God and to assist those genuinely in need. They never seem to be in want for anything, feeding their own appetites and splurging on themselves vast sums of money.
Sad to say, it is not merely an ill that afflicts our time.
Asaph himself lamented about the rich; how they never seemed to be troubled by the cares of this world. He wondered why he kept himself on the path of righteousness, while those who pleased only themselves seemed to never suffer trouble. God showed him otherwise:
"Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works."
(Psalm 73, KJV)
If you take a look at the stories that flood the news, both tabloids as well as mainstream media, celebrities and the rich and elite are often reported in trouble. Either they have been arrested, committed to rehab, have lost money, or have divorced. Looking at past celebrities like Howard Hughes, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Heath Ledger, Tupac Shakur and others, you begin to see that fame and wealth are not what they appear to be.
They have indeed "pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
So what can we do?
Scripture instructs us:
"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." (Matthew 6:19-21, KJV)
Scripture tells us that we are to store our treasure where no one can get at it, and it will never disintegrate on us or be stolen. But God goes further than that: while on earth, jesus made us this incredible promise:
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:25-34, KJV)
The Lord has PROMISED to provide for all you needs; not your WANTS, but your NEEDS. With God the Father overseeing your life and making sure that you have all that you need, along with the very fact that you are saved and have a shining future to look forwards to, you already have a treasure that far exceeds all the gold, gems and cash this world could ever hope to contain. It is a treasure that is worth INFINITELY more than all the wealth that ever existed...
...and a treasure that cost Abba his only begotten son, Jesus.
Do not envy the rich and famous, but have pity in them; they do not realize the dire straits they are in. THEY are the poor and impoverished.
May we have the courage and opportunity to reach them before it's too late.
I bid you all peace.
YBIC,
-Robert.
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