TWO KINDS OF DEFENCE

 THE TEMPORAL VERSUS ETERNAL DEFENCE 

- money versus wisdom.


The times we live in have a voice. It is speaking loudly.


There are two types of defence recognized in scripture. The defence of money and the defence of wisdom. 


You can have them both. That is the will of God. But if you lack wisdom you will choose the defence of money over the defence of wisdom.


"For WISDOM is a defence, and MONEY is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that WISDOM GIVES LIFE to them that have it." (Ecclesiastes  7:12).


Before you get anything make sure you get wisdom first. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding. (Proverbs  4:7).


Wrong attitude to money can be a reason for inability to lay hold of eternal life. Wisdom, on the other hand, secures eternal life.


A rich young ruler once came to Jesus and prayed, "What must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus answered him; "Go and give your money to the poor." 


He still had his money, but he went away very sorrowful. Money cannot give joy. Only eternal life can give joy.


Why was this rich young ruler sorrowful? He lacked wisdom - the understanding of God's purpose behind his riches. With wisdom he would have rejoiced at Jesus' instruction. 


A greedy heart cannot secure eternal life. Even if he gets it, he will lose it. Look at the pledge by the Spirit, to those who are rich or want to be rich and also have eternal life.


"Charge them that are RICH in this world, that they be not highminded, nor TRUST in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;  


That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  


LAYING UP in store FOR THEMSELVES a good foundation against the time to come, that they may LAY HOLD on ETERNAL LIFE." (1 Timothy  6:17).


That pledge is the cure for greed and a test for the heart that will hold on to eternal life. That was the test the rich young ruler failed.


It is the attitude of the rich to the poor around them that will determine who will eventually lay hold on eternal life or not. If you read Luke  16:19-31 you will understand. The wisdom of God in allowing his people to experience poverty is to first deal with their hearts before making them rich.


There is no greater evil as a once poor man who oppresses the poor when he becomes rich. The purpose of God behind riches is not to be numbered among the rich. The purpose of God for making rich is to serve him with your riches. It is to minister to the poor in your constituency.


Money is a defence. But it takes wisdom to understand that it is not a defence for you alone. It is a defence for your constituency. If you are rich, you are gifted by God to help the poor in your own area of influence.


In scripture people lost their lives because they did not understand this truth. One is in Luke 12:16-21. The other one is in 1 Samuel 25. Scripture called them both fools - lacking wisdom.


You see why Solomon wrote; "There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt."? (Ecclesiastes  5:13).


As a command, the Lord Himself said; "Lay not up for YOURSELVES treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal" (Matthew  6:19).


The problem is not in the laying up; but in laying it up for YOURSELF. But when you give to the poor, you are seeking the Lord, you are laying up for YOURSELF treasure in heaven.


But understand that God is not partial. He has only called you into a ministry which He will fund by Himself. "He that has pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again." (Proverbs  19:17).


GIVING TO THE POOR is one of three principal ways (revealed by Jesus) to seek the kingdom of God. The other two are PRAYER and FASTING. Giving to the poor is first on Jesus' list. Let us also emphasize giving to the poor as we emphasize prayer and fasting. See Matthew Chapter 6:1-34.


Without wisdom you cannot lay up treasure in heaven. It takes riches and wisdom to defend the poor. It is a ministry. Riches alone? That's the prosperity of fools.


Please search it out for yourself!

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