Episode Details

There is an old expression many of us heard growing up: "Just follow the trail of the money." If you want to understand why the world is in the state it is in—why there is so much crime, cheating, and scandal—you eventually have to come down to the brass tacks. The Apostle Paul nailed it when he wrote to young Timothy, declaring that the love of money is the root of all evil. As a self-described "ordinary person," I see things through a layman’s lens. When I hear the news snippets of the day, I realize there is a tool the devil uses to drive the darkness we see on the landscape of life. Money brings power. It allows you to buy what you want and go where you want, but more dangerously, it gives you the ability to sway people. This power isn't just found in high-stakes politics; it’s an addiction that can mirror the grip of gambling. I once knew a man who was thought to be incredibly wealthy, having built and sold a successful company. Yet, when he passed, his family discovered the truth: the casinos had taken it all. Every dime was gone, and the house was mortgaged to the hilt. That is the destructive power of a heart captured by the pursuit of wealth. This pursuit extends into the political realm, where winning at any cost becomes the goal. In our country, the prestige of the presidency and the power of the legislature are highly sought after. But with that power comes a responsibility for integrity. From a common-sense perspective, we must protect the sanctity of our civic duties. Just as I must show a driver's license to prove who I am in any other facet of life, our systems of power must be guarded against the "hanky-panky" that occurs when the love of power outweighs the love of truth. As Christians, we are called to a radical alternative. Our message is not one of wealth, fame, or prestige. It is the message of the servant. Jesus Himself said He did not come to be ministered to, but to minister. If money begins to cloud the vision of a person, a business, or even a church, it becomes a weight that leads to darkness. We must remain a people who are willing to turn the other cheek and pray for those who despitefully use us. When we stop chasing the trail of money and start following the footsteps of the Savior, we find the only power that truly matters: the power to expand the borders of God’s kingdom. Scriptures for Further Study -- 1 Timothy 6:10 -- James 1:14-15 This is episode 1262. ******* This is the radio program with the music removed. By the way, I have written a new book, and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X