Avoiding the Filthiest Lucre

EDITOR: “But holiness with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; but having food and covering we shall be content with that. But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some, reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

The passage above warns us against the constant desire to gain wealth, painting a picture of sorrow and destruction for those who seek after riches. We are instructed to be content with what we are blessed with.

Throughout the scriptures, the concept of seeking wealth and loving materialism is always shown in a negative light. In Titus 1:7, the apostle Paul, teaches Titus that the bishop of the assembly must not be “greedy of filthy lucre.”

This term is not used commonly in our time, but it simply means “shameful money”. It seems as though it is a trend in today’s world for people to glorify wealth and physical possessions.

This may include clothing, cars, and property, to name a few, and it is common for people to publicize their possessions as they set their mind on boasting and covetousness. Rather than reduce their carnal quest for wealth, they charge even more money for goods and services, laying an even heavier burden on those who cannot afford such luxury. Constantly, we hear of people that are being bribed, or who are so self-serving that they are guilty of trying to make money in many nefarious or illegal ways. But what doesYahshua the Messiah say about this?

Beware of covetousness In Luke 12:15, it says, “And he [Yahshua] said to them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.” We do not know when our last day on earth will be, and Paul’s words echoYahshua’s message when he said: “neither can we carry anything out [of the world].” Greed can lead people down paths of disgrace or crime in their pursuit of money. We must understand that our lives are not defined by our physical possessions.

Never forget Yahweh

We want to remember what Moses taught Isra el. “And it shall be, when Yahweh your Elohim shall bring you into the land which he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Issac, and to Jacob, to give you, great and good cities, which you built not, and houses full of all good things, which you filled not, and cisterns dug out, which you did not dig, vineyards and olive-trees, which you planted not, and you shall eat and be full; Then beware lest you forgetYahweh, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”

Deuteronomy 6:10-12. In our modern world, things have become somewhat more convenient. We have household appliances to help with our chores, for example. But how are we spending the extra time that is afforded to us? Are we using it for prayer, meditation, and bible study? We must make time for this, striving to become closer to Yahweh, especially in this world full of distractions. Seek after the commandments. Rather than seeking after riches, we are instructed to pursue a righteous

life, having a character full of faith, love, long suffering, and gentleness (1.Timothy 6:11). Wisdom is described as being more profitable than silver and gold (Proverbs 3:14-15).

“Nothing you desire compares with her.” Living a life that is aligned with Yahweh’s character would not only lead to a long, fulfi lling, peaceful life on this earth (Proverbs 3:16-18), but also entry intoYahweh’s glorious Kingdom (Revelation 22:14).

The Mark of the Beast

Someday, the greed that we see all around us will sink the world into serious trouble. In the last days, worldly people will sell themselves out to the Anti- Messiah- the man of sin.

For the filthiest of money (lucre) the people will accept the mark of the Beast.

Revelation 13:17 says, “….and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” The Anti-Messiah will be one who promotes lawlessness- violation of Yahweh’s Laws- and will eventually sit in the temple of Elohim, showing himself to be elohim. The mark of the beast- 666 (600=war, 60=religion, worship, national pride, and 6=man) is a mark of control. The Beast (a world-ruling government) will seek to control everything you do and think.

There will be a group of individuals who resist the forces of evil and reject the sin of materialism.

Resistance to evil is what will save you when this Beast system is inaugurated, established, and then enforced, with the currency of the new age brought into existence. Those who keep Yahweh’s word would be kept from the “hour of trial” (Revelation 3:10). Will you be one of these people?

Final Thoughts

What can we give up for the Kingdom ofYahweh?

Or maybe rather, what won’t we give up forYahweh’s Kingdom? To follow Yahshua on the narrow way to life, one would often have to make difficult choices, sometimes having to give up their possessions or conveniences. However, Yahshua promises that those who would have left behind goods, properties, or even relationships for his name’s sake, shall receive one hundredfold in the Kingdom (Matthew 19:29-30).Yahshua teaches us to turn our backs on the riches of this world, and to reach for treasures of righteousness. Although Abraham, Issac, and Jacob had great wealth, their hope was set on eternal life- not on their possessions. We must set our hope on Yahweh, always being willing to give to those in need.

“Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not high-minded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but onYahweh, who gives us richly all things to enjoy: that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be 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 the life which is life indeed.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Ulrika Sutherland.

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