Money For Nothing

  People generally view “easy money” or “free money” as a psychological trap that promises quick relief from financial stress but often leads to heavy losses. “Easy come, easy go,” sound familiar? Easy money and free money can lead to careless spending and bad investments, leaving many further in debt than before.

  Satan will promise you free money, wealth and great possessions, but there is a catch. “You need to follow and worship him.” Again, sound familiar? What did Jesus tell the wealthy man who wanted so much to go to Heaven?

  Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, one thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. (Mark 10:21). Jesus looked upon the man with genuine love and said to him; "There is still one thing you haven't done." Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then take up your cross and follow Me. Why did Jesus ask this of the man? Here was the problem; this man was very wealthy, and it would be hard for him to give up all his wealth. (Always worrying about losing his goods). Money cannot be the only thing your concerned about all the time. "God must come first."

  And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:22). This man was sad because he had a lot of earthly possessions. (Probably many his possessions were from dishonest dealings). Jesus talked about this in the parable of the sower. (Matthew 13:22). The cares and ways of the world, longing for money choke out the Word of God. Always making time for things of the world and always striving to make money, but never any time to study God's Word.

  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. (1 Timothy 6:9). Desire for wealth will get you in trouble. (It can be more dangerous than wealth itself). People who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of things wrong to get money. They do not care how they get it, or who they hurt to get it. "They become rip-offs and scam artists."

  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 6:10) The love of money and worldly wealth is the first step to all kinds of sin. Always worrying about money because they never have enough. Some have even turned away from God because of it, and because of it, they will have many sorrows.

  And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (Mark 10:23). That's why Jesus would say to His disciples; "How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God." Oh, how hard it is for the wealthy to except this verse. (Even wealthy priests and Pastors). Most all have good excuses for how they obtained their wealth. (They say; my wealth was legally gained, not from any illegal activity). Yea right!

  So, when it sounds to good to be true, it usually is. Jesus was confronted by the devil with the same circumstances. How did Jesus handle the promise of free money, wealth, and power from the greatest liar of all times? Did Jesus sell out and worship satan as he was instructed. No way! He rebuked the devil and told him to get the hell out of here!

  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (Matthew 4:8, Luke 4:5). Here we come to a high spot again. The "prince of this world" Satan (John 12:31), is going to make Jesus an offer "He can refuse." Why? Because they will all belong to Jesus in the future. (Revelation 11:15).   

  And saith unto him, all these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (Matthew 4:9, Luke 4:6-7). No way Jesus is going to bow to Satan! This only proves that all these things were Satan's to give. He is the "prince of the world" (John 14:30, 16:11), and can offer you a lot of things of the world if you except them.

  And Jesus answered and said unto him, get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Luke 4:8). Jesus replied; "We must worship God, and Him alone." It is written! (Deuteronomy 6:13, 10:20). Christ's allegiance is to the Heavenly Father, our allegiance as Christians is to Jesus Christ.

  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24). You cannot serve God and money. (Luke 16:13, 1 timothy 6:9-10). Mammon: Strong's G3126 "mammonas" meaning wealth, that is, avarice (intense desire), or defied (acquired with boldness). "I’ll gotten gains of the world" by deception or taking advantage of others to better yourself. However, even if you get your money legally, and it is just your main goal to be wealthy (intense desire), you will never be able to serve both masters. (I know many wealthy preachers won't like that statement). "They think they can serve God and money, and its God making them wealthy." God does not care about worldly wealth. He cares about spiritual wealth. (God will always supply you with what you need, not always with what you want or think you deserve). "Trust in the "Living God" who gives us richly all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17).

  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? (Matthew 6:25). Don't always worry about things! If you always worry about material things or money, it will take you away from God. Don't miss out on blessings by always worrying, rather trust in the Heavenly Father. The martial artist Bruce Lee once quoted: Life is like a finger pointing to the sky; "don't concentrate on the finger, or you will miss out on all the heavenly glory."