Conclusion of Avoid Materialism and Pride

Again, doing business is not a sin. The sin is the pride, the arrogance, the confidence in self that gaining wealth can engender.  Wisely, the ancient proverb said: "Give me neither poverty  nor riches."  Poverty can make life very bitter.  But riches lead a person to "deny [God] and say: "Who is Jehovah?' " -Proverbs 30:8, 0. 

We live in a world where many have fallen victim to greed and selfishness. Because of the prevailing commercial climate, much emphasis is placed on wealth.  Hence, a Christian does well to examine himself to be sure that he is not falling into the same trap that ensnared the commercial city of Tyre.   Does he spend so much of his time and energy in material pursuits that he is, in fact, a slave of riches?  (Matthew 6:24)  Is he envious of some who may have more or better possession than he has?  (Galatians 5:26)   If he happens to be wealthy, does he proudly feel that he deserves more attention or privileges than others do?   (Compare James 2:1-9) If he is not rich, is he "determined to be rich," whatever the cost?  (1 Timothy 6:9)  Is he so occupied with business matters that he leaves only a very small corner in his life for serving God?  (2 Timothy 2:4)  Does he become so consumed with the pursuit of wealth that he ignores Christian principles in his business practices?  -1 Timothy 6:10. 

Whatever our economic situation, the Kingdom should always have first place in our lives.  It is vital that we never lose sight of the words of the apostle John:  "Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."  (1 John 2;15)  True, we have to use the world's  economic arrangements in order to survive.  (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Hence, we 'use the world'-but we do not use it "to the full':  (2 Corinthians 7:31)  If we have an excessive love of material things-the things in the world-we no longer love Jehovah. Chasing after  "the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one's means of life" is incompatible with doing the will of God.  And it is doing the will of God that leads to eternal life. -1 John 2:16, 17. 

The trap of putting the pursuit of material things ahead of all else ensnared Tyre.  She was successful in a material sense, became very proud, and was punished for her pride.  Her example stands as a warning to nations and individuals today.  How much better to follow the admonition of the apostle Paul!  He urges Christians  "not to be high-minded, and to rest their hope, not on uncertain riches, but on God, who furnishes us all things richly for our enjoyment." -1 Timothy 6:17.

Next time: Jehovah Is King, Chapter Twenty

From the Book  Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000