From the first time the game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" aired, it has been a weekly ratings success. The idea of someone winning a million dollars is intriguing, the very possibility of seeing it happen is entrancing to many. I am confident some watch for the mere entertainment value, however, others no doubt are tuned in, that they might live vicariously through the contestant. Herein is where I would like to focus our attention for a few moments, for a foothold for covetousness is a real and sly danger.

CAUTION AGAINST COVETOUSNESS
The apostle Paul tells us that we should be content with "...food and clothing..." He warns against the "...love of money..." For it can lead to all kinds of wickedness, even such that a child of God might stray from the faith (1 Timothy 6:8-10). We must realize that life is not about the abundance of things we possess (Luke 12:15). The Lord is our provider, and gives us such things as are necessary (Hebrews 13:5-6; Matthew 6:32-34).

The Scriptures plainly label covetousness as evil. Paul wrote to the Ephesians "...but fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints..." (Ephesians 5:3). Likewise, Paul admonished, "...put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Colossians 3:5).

COVETOUS CHRISTIANS?
Covetousness and Christianity do not mix. Solomon wrote, "...there is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: riches kept for their owner to his hurt..." (Ecclesiastes 5:13). Jesus shows us how riches might hurt the child of God, for "...he who received the seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful." (Matthew 13:22). Recall that it was greed that destroyed Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Was it not also greed that brought Judas to destruction (Matthew 26:14-16)? Jesus spoke, "...how hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of heaven!" (Mark 10:23). Not impossible, but indeed, they can become a weight and a snare.

LEARN TO BE CONTENT, DECIDE TO PRIORITIZE.
Paul wrote, "...I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned to both be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." (Philippians 4:11-12). We live in a society where 'extras' are a way of life, where the non-essentials have become expectations. Now, understand, enjoying something above the base things of life is not wrong (note, Paul learned to be "full" and to "abound"), however, we must always be careful of luxury, lest it bring upon us condemnation. We ought to learn to live on less, and to give more to the Lord and our fellow man (2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:7-10).

Riches and wealth need to be put into perspective. Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mattthew 16:24-26). My friend, there is no amount of riches or pleasure that this life could offer which would be worth giving up on heaven! Let us follow the example of Moses, who chose "...rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward." (Hebrews 11:25-26). Look to the reward!!

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
How many children did Michal, Saul's daughter have? Do 2 Samuel 6:23 and 2 Samuel 21:8 contradict?