“…Because of her desires for extravagant luxury, the merchants of the world have grown rich” (Revelation 18:3 NLT).
Our text from Revelation 18:3 allows us to conclude our short discourse on the subjects of wealth and materialism with a few final thoughts. For instance, the Biblical book of 1 Timothy offers two passages that should inform our thinking on these subjects…
“…[Our] trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17 NLT).
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:6-10).
The verses help provide direction for our purchasing and investment decisions. For example, there is nothing inherently wrong with financial or material wealth, for God richly provides us with all we need for our enjoyment. However, it’s important to recognize that everything we possess is a gift of God’s benevolent provision. Thus, we would be wise to view ourselves as stewards (or managers) of the financial and material resources that God has graciously allowed us to acquire.
Other helpful insights come from the following portions of Jesus’ famous Sermon On The Mount…
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT).
A lifestyle that honors God through the responsible use of the financial and material resources He provides is one that enriches everyone, including ourselves. These observations will prepare us for entry into the next portion of Revelation eighteen.
Image Attribution: Manager by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Picpedia.org