DCLM Daily Manna, Wednesday November 11, 2015 by Pastor Kumuyi – Damned Through Riches

Topic: Damned through Riches [Wednesday November 11, 2015]

Text: James 5:1-11

Key Verse: “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you” (James 5:1).

Riches are a double-edged sword. It can either be a source of blessing or ruin. Abraham Lincoln, a foremost American President, who tasted both divides of riches and poverty said that poverty in itself does not kill; it is riches and power that have the capacity to destroy.

Apostle James took a journey down history lane, and discovered that most kings in Israel, who were humble, level-headed, prayerful and spiritual when they were poor and needy, suddenly became heady, incorrigible, and wicked when they became rich. Saul was humble, shy and self-effacing before he was anointed king over Israel. He suddenly became heady, incorrigible and wicked when he came to the throne. Solomon was prayerful and obedient at the beginning but became wayward as his reign progressed. Rehoboam was found faithful enough to have had entrusted into his hands, ten out of twelve tribes taken away from Solomon’s posterity. Yet, he soon became ungrateful and insensitive to the point of leading Israel away from God. The character of carnally-fixated rich men in all generations are so similar, prompting James’ rebuke and scathing remarks for those of his generation. This was with the hope that they would repent and put less trust in fleeting material perquisites.

Thankfully, not all the rich men in the Bible were condemned. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were rich, but they were righteous and blessed. Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, Lydia of Thyatira, Theophillus, and Cornelius were rich people in the New Testament, but they chose to be righteous. Riches which are not used to glorify God are worthless. Christians must be cautious of fleeting riches and embrace true riches by Christ, which can neither be moth-eaten nor stolen by thieves.

Thought for the day: True riches with righteousness bring present eternal blessings.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 kings 21 - 22

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.