Theme: IT PAYS TO SERVE GOD FAITHFULLY TILL THE END
Text: “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” – Matthew 13:22.
Comment: One of the things which the devil is using to trouble Christians especially in this age of the end of the world is riches. It must be said outright that it is not a sin to be rich. There were some worshippers of God in those days who were rich as recorded in the Holy Bible. They include people like Abraham, David, Solomon, Job and others.
But the crave for money or wealth, by youths particularly, to the point of committing crimes or sinful acts, must be condemned in all its ramifications because it wreaks havoc on the families of such people and the society at large. “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. (Proverbs 28:22) He adds: ‘He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” (Proverbs 15:27) Anyone who, after knowing the truth continues to be materialistic or avaricious, will surely be unfruitful in the end. Apart from the quest for riches, many Christians are bogged down by “the cares of this world” concerns or worries and commitments that become gods to us and push us to do things that violate our faith. These are the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life. (1 John 2:15-17) We must cling to God sincerely because no one can serve two masters. – Matthew 6:24.