Part 9: Obedience To God More
Important Than Money
In
the name of God, Master of the universe, Ruler of the earth.
The Word of God is
truly wonderful and a blessing to the people God created. We are encouraged to stay
true to the Word regardless of the temptations of the world. For it is written
that obedience to the laws of God is the only route to true happiness.
The 119th
Division of Psalms is noted as the longest chapter in the Bible. Most
theologians suggest that Ezra the Priest was the writer. The main subject is
the Word of God. With the exception of verses 3, 37, 90, 121, 122, and 132,
each verse of this Psalms makes a direct mention of the Word. The following
terms are used to reveal to the reader the Word: law, testimonies, precepts,
statutes, commandments, word, judgments and ordinances.
There is also a
particular division in 22 sections of eight verses each. The Word that stands
as the heading of each section is one of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
Here we see the complete Hebrew alphabet spelled in English letters.
Our primary scripture
lesson as related to our topic comes from verse 36. However we will begin there
but we will also note several other verses in this most powerful message from God.
Psalms 119:36.
"Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness."
A man's heart cannot
go in two directions nor embrace two leaders (see Matthew 6:24). Here the
writer reveals the way of God and His testimonies leads us to Him and the way
of covetousness leads in the opposite direction. Most people in today's world
covet money. This is why we have the ungodly fund-raising efforts in the
church. In the world money represents power, influence and success.
Although there is a
need for money for comfort, security and other necessities it will not bring
you the joy of God. Thus obedience to God is far more valuable than wealth. The
riches of heaven are no doubt more rewarding than earthly riches. The prayer
for obedience to God is revealed in this prayer. In this prayer we find valid
instructions for us also to pray to God for obedience and not a prayer for
materialistic rewards and the lust for money.
Related Scripture:
Luke 12:15.
"Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool.
"And he said
unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth
not in abundance of the things which he possesseth."
When we walk in the Spirit the good life is
revealed in those who know and trust God. The greedy desire for things you
don't have is not a good life. However society and the world say the desire for
more and more is positive and the way to happiness. However when you live for
God these things cease too be important.
Luke 12:33-34.
"Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourself bags which wax not
old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth,
neither moth corrupted."
"For where your
treasury is there will be your heart also."
When money is seen as
the greatest commodity that exists we become detached from God and have very
little interest in helping the needy. The accumulation of wealth is not the
goal of the Godly. The people of God who have wealth use money wisely. Thus,
they use their money to uplift God's kingdom. Giving large sums of money to
Preachers for an annual, Appreciation is not building God's kingdom.
Hebrews 13:5.
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such
things ye have for he hath said, I will
never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
The word of God
teaches us to be content. God's love is revealed in what He has provided. We
must remember that money and possessions will pass away. When Christians become
materialistic, they simply say that they do not trust God to take care of them.
We will now return to
the 119th Psalms to get a better scriptural base on how to obtain
obedience to God.
Psalms 119:1-2.
"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the
Lord."
"Blessed are
they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart."
Again we note that
this Psalms reveals that it is a must for believers to follow the laws of God.
Thus, obedience to God is seen in a sincere heart of God.
119:9.
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto
according to thy word."
Our survival in an
unclean and filthy world can be realized by staying with the Word. Meanwhile
many churches place the greatest emphasis on raising money to give to Preachers
than the study of the Word. If we do not know the Word how can we apply it?
119: 11. "Thy
word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
The word of God
should be stored in our hearts. This is a sure way to combat sin. But we must always
put the Word into action so it can truly guide our lives.
119:12-18.
"Blessed art thee, O Lord teach me thy statutes."
Throughout society
and for example the work place there are rules. We are to rejoice in Gods law
just as much as one would rejoice in riches. The laws of God guide us along a
path of righteousness and avoid destruction.
119: 19. "I am a
stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me."
The Word of God is a
road map. So like any other map if we do not follow the map you will become
lost. When you are lost in sin, you cannot reach the goal of all Christians
which is Peace and Paradise.
119: 25. God's Word
revives us. It offers answers but we must read it.
119: 27. God Word is
a set of rules. However, God also helps us live according to the rules.
119:44-46. When we
obey God's laws we are free to be what God has designed us to be.
119:97-104. Here we
see that if a man does not know God he has very little wisdom. The Word of God
makes us wise. Thus, we become wiser than our enemies.
119:105. "Thy
word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
The Bible is our
light as we go through this life filled with the pitfalls of sin and unbelief.
119:113. "I hath
vain thoughts: but thy law do I love."
God hates those who
cannot make up their minds between good and evil. There is no room to
compromise when it comes to God's law. Obey God and act out the law of love.
119:125. "I am
thy servant: give me understanding, that I might know thy
testimonies."When we apply scripture to our daily lives our faith comes
alive.
119:160. 'Thy word is
true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth
forever."
God is perfect truth.
(See John 17:14-17). The Bible is completely true and trustworthy.
119:165. "Great
peace have thy which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”
If we love God and
obey His laws we will have great peace.
carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net