Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. Psalm 62:10
“Whosoever has food to eat, and raiment to put on, with something over, is rich. Whoever has the necessaries and conveniences of life for himself and his family, and a little to spare for them that have not, is properly a rich man…
I have a message from God unto thee, O rich man! Whether thou wilt hear, or whether thou wilt forbear. Riches have increased with thee; at the peril of thy soul, “set not thine heart upon them!” Be thankful to Him that gave thee such a talent, so much power for doing good. Yet dare not to rejoice over them, but with fear and trembling…
“Beware thou cleave not unto them, lest thou be entangled and perish.” Do not make them thy end, thy chief delight, thy happiness, thy God! See that thou expect not happiness in money, nor anything that is purchasable thereby…”
John Wesley (1703-1791) Anglican Minister in “On The Danger Of Increasing Riches” (Sermon 126.1,9) delivered on 21 September 1790 in Bristol, England.
As Asbury Theological Seminary hosted these meetings I decided to read afresh one of Wesley’s sermons this morning. Here Wesley is near the end of his life. He enthusiastically echoes the warning from Psalms not to set your heart on riches as they increase but to realize their power for doing good.
That’s our hope as seminary leaders: to help the rich kept God as their chief delight and realize that they have so much power for doing good. Has God blessed your work with much fruit? Do you have more than enough? Be warned, lest riches entangle and destroy you. Chose thankfulness and generosity!