Sapagkat ang pag-ibig sa salapi ay ugat ng lahat ng kasamaan. Dahil sa paghahangad na yumaman, may mga taong nalalayo sa pananampalataya at nasasadlak sa maraming kapighatian.

1 Timoteo 6:10

Do you sometimes wish that you could exchange places with the richest person in the world? You can hire a team of household helpers, including a personal assistant, driver, and chef. The only thing you have to do every morning is get out of bed. Wala ka nang iisipin pa. Walang problema!

While this might sound like the perfect kind of life, some people who have tasted worldly success might disagree. Famous actor Jim Carrey said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”

No wonder the Apostle Paul warned us against loving money. He said this to Timothy during the time when false teachers would pervert the content of sound doctrine for their own greedy gain (1 Timothy 6:3–5). These people would spread false teaching to have a following and get rich. Today we see the same happening in places where a charming leader would promise good health, prosperity, and everything good to his followers in the name of God. The goal turns from knowing God and having a personal relationship with Him into getting things from Him.

For a moment, contrast this to what is happening to the believers in hard places. In North Korea, it is a crime to be a Christian. Just hearing the gospel or being in contact with Christians can result in severe punishment. Says Joo Min, “If I am caught, I could end up in a labor camp, paying a heavy price for being a Christian now.”

Having faith in Jesus doesn’t automatically mean you will get rich here on earth. But for sure, you will enjoy the riches of God’s love for all eternity in heaven.