Today we are looking at the pride of riches or the arrogance of wealth.
Riches or wealth is never the main problem of the proudful; when arrogance is on the bedrock of one’s life, riches only becomes the amplifier and projector of it. “Money”, riches or wealth in itself is never evil, it is not bad and it is not wrong, in fact it is a blessing from God.
“Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.” 1 Chron 29:12 NKJV
But “the love of money”; greediness, covetousness grubbiness and acquisitiveness is what God condemns.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” 1 Tim 6:10 NKJV
“…God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 NKJV
This is a truth that calls for self-examination, for you need not be at conflict with God. My submission is, if God resists you, no matter what personal or external push you might generate, it will take you to nowhere.
There are some rich and wealthy individuals who have allowed their wealth to becloud their minds from the truth, from sound judgement and reality. Because of their amassed wealth, they feel overly empowered and award themselves deity-like statuses, expecting and demanding obeisance and homage from others who are not as privileged in wealth as they are. Some of such people even believe their own fantasies; they feel they are in control of life; they can do and undo, determine outcomes, regulate other people’s lives and destiny, take advantage of anyone and anything at will. They feel they are unstoppable, and they answer to nobody. What display of arrogance?
It is sad but true that there are people who at the slightest improvement on their financial status, immediately assume an attitude of rudeness towards others. There are husbands who talk down on their wives, wives who disrespect their husbands, children who would not want to associate with their poor parents anymore and friends who keep their peers at bay because they have a better paycheque. It is amazing how riches sometimes reveal who we truly are. Let us be reminded that God still resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
I pray that God will take away every arrogant attitude in us that bases and measure our worth by our material riches, this is a false identity, our true worth is in Christ and not in our material riches. We are rich in all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 1:3-14
May God help us to utilize what he has given us not for an adverse impact but to positively impact the lives of others.
Today we ask for the grace to resist every temptation to despise others who are less privileged. May we never grow financially without room in our hearts to lift others up. May the Holy Spirit give us compassionate hearts, benevolent spirit and a giving hand in Jesus name.
Scripture:
1 Timothy 6:17
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy