The third part of the GSM is money. Money in this context also relates to material things, wealth, earthly treasures and things related to them. These are not wrong in themselves. In fact, they are required for us to live excelling lives as God desires us to, and to propagate the gospel. But, the love of money, wealth and earthly treasures has remained one of the most reliable weapons with which Satan continues to pull believers away from the faith. The sons of Eli, Gehazi and Judas are a few examples.
How faithful are you in your dealings with or treating others when it comes to the issue of money? Can your church, employer, organization, family, and friends trust you with money? Is your integrity questionable when we talk about money? Do you milk others to enrich yourself? The question can go on and on.
For instance, a minister (let’s call him “W”) billed churches under him 15m naira for his wife’s birthday. He later came out to urge the president of his country to make life liveable for the citizens because of the inflation and poverty in the country.
Jesus led His disciples as a servant leader and obviously, minister “W” has not showcased himself as an example after Christ. I know you are likely to criticize “W” but are you any better? The system and multi-stage corruption in our country buttress the fact that not many who claim to be better than Minister “W” are actually better.
Many people build houses, buy cars, start businesses, and live luxury lifestyles on public funds, entrusted to them for the good of their followers. When you inflate the price of items bought for your family, church, or organization, you are stealing from them. We pay attention and make judgments on others but we forget the dynamic ways in which we cheat others.
As Christians, we must always demonstrate a high level of probity. In Luke 16:10-12 NKJV, Jesus taught that He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much… And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?
Conclusion…
Over the past few weeks, we have looked at how glory, sex and money mitigate against the lives and right standing of Christians. Please reflect on these things and daily commit your heart unto God, so that your feet will not stray away from the path of righteousness. The most interesting part is that whichever way we might have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23), If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Therefore, confess your sins to God, seek forgiveness and pray for the Holy Spirit of God to dwell in your heart so that you can fulfil the will of God. Now you are a new creature in Christ. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). The book of 1 Tim 6:11 tells us the expectation from now on. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
May the Lord continue to uphold you. Amen
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