If Riches Increase...
- By The Christian Messenger
- Published 08/3/2009
The Christian Messenger
The Christian Messenger - Evangelism Through Journalism. The Christian Messenger is an evangelical monthly newspaper published from Chennai, India. Started in 2002 as a privately circulated periodical, its initial print run was 2,500 copies. A year later, it became a registered newspaper. Currently, the print order is 15,000 copies. It is perhaps the only Christian newspaper that spans the length and breadth of the country. The founders of the newspaper have a vision to make it India’s leading Christian daily.What we do: Good news, first! That's our burden. Good news is not just the Gospel but also the positive side of Christian living. But that doesn't mean we don't report bad news. Persecution, end-times watch, falling idols and Biblical prophecies that come true are part of our reportage. We are dependent on God and independent of any denomination, groups or organizations. Neither do we let advertisers influence news coverage nor do we print puffed up handouts. We are fair, neutral and non-judgmental. Because we believe in a God who tells the truth and expects us to be like Him. Why a Christian newspaper? At the heart of our media mission is this motto: Evangelism through journalism. The purpose of this newspaper is to report newsworthy religious events and activities within the local community, nationwide and around the world, to increase the awareness and activism of believers regarding the moral issues of today, to provide thought-provoking commentary, and to provide an effective advertising vehicle for Christian ministries and organizations, events and businesses that want to reach the Christian community in India and abroad. If you think you can support us or partner with us in this mission, do send us a mail today: editor@christianmessenger.in
PSALM 62:10 says; "If riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Of course we all say we won't. We want riches to increase in our life and we feel sure that, though others may not be able to handle it, we will.
I would imagine that setting your heart on riches is a very subtle sort of thing. Kind of like the frog in the water where the temperature increases so gradually the little hopper doesn't know he's being boiled to death. First, if money comes you pay off all debts and maybe splurge on some special toys you've always wanted. As time goes along you get used to always having ready cash. Discipline in spending is no longer an issue so why not just buy freely?
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Then do you slowly lose sensitivity to others who are without your means? Eventually generosity is replaced by a sense of entitlement and maybe even a disdain for those poor souls who probably brought it all on themselves anyhow. Finally you are protected, insulated and ultimately trusting in riches alone. But in the end you play the fool because it is a false god which will not protect you into eternity.
Here's a good prayer we all should pray so our hearts won't get hooked. Lord, "Give me neither poverty nor riches - feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God." (Proverbs 30:8-9)
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