POOR STEWARDS Lust of the eyesLust of the Flesh and Pride Of Life

[nikita (nikita)]

So many Christians, not only those on tv, but so many Christians or so called anyway, seemed to be concerned with money, what their neighbors have, how things look to others. I've been seeing so much of this. Who has the better watch, the better car, the better house. Using all the money that God gave them for these things, instead of helping the poor, giving to others, fellowship.

Professing their Christianity, while denying what it really means. It is very sad indeed
Has anyone else noticed an abundance of this kind of behavior lately?

[godchild (godchild)]

nikita, the simplest way I can say what I think about greed is, "I am in the world but try not to be of it."

Earthy gain (manna) has been a problem since time on earth began. This is no surprise nor unusual. It is the nature of the beast, so to speak. Don't worry about it. Just keep helping the poor, giving to others, and fellowship. By doing so, we don't have time to worry, which is a sin in itself.

[nikita (nikita)]

Thanks godchild, Good advice to all. I think your right. just seems to be so prevalent lately, more so than usual.

[turtle (turtle)]

Nikita,
It is so easy to look at the hypocrates in the church. That is why it is so important to personally know God and strive to worship him. WE take our eyes one minute and look at everyone else problems we loose site of God. The hypocrates are at least doing one thing and that is still going to church trying to understand who God is. All as sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And after salvation we still displease God.

I sound a little preachy but I just came out of this a year ago and my problem lasted over ten years. I can't change anyone but I know the one that can. He has changed me.

[overseas (overseas)]

You should see it in my country in East Europe. We were under the communists for so many years. Right now economy is growing and there are things that happen for the first time in history to our generation: driving a Ford, visiting Canada or owning a nice villa with swimming pool. People want all of it immediately. It is hard to find interest for Gospel when competing with these opportunities.
But those that know the Lord stand strong. I believe when we choose the Lord and His faith, we actually choose Him like we would have to loose all world's wealth (even if it is not the case right then) or like we would have to face high persecution immediately. Then when it comes (money temptation or sufferings) we are prepared. Shame cause many evangelists and preachers do not tell the Gospel that way.

[turtle (turtle)]

Amen! overseas. Hello and Good to see you.

[nikita (nikita)]

Thank you both turtle and overseas for your imput.
It helps.

[cybermom (cybermom)]

Hi, Nikita

Good to hear from you. The only church where I experienced the over-concern with worldly things was in a so-called Faith church. The church we attend now is very normal. Our main purpose is to worship God and spread the Gospel. They are always looking for ways to reach out to the community, looking for opportunities to minister to the poor, etc. I guess when any Christian's focus is on anything else but Jesus, they are easily distracted.


Apologies to those who dislike the Message Biblehttp://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/happy.gif

Mat 13:22 "The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it.

I think all we can do is be obedient to whatever Jesus is calling us to do today, and let Him deal with the rest. The Body of Christ isn't perfect, but it will be one day.

Eph 5:26 He did this to dedicate the church to God by his word, after making it clean by washing it in water,
Eph 5:27 in order to present the church to himself in all its beauty---pure and faultless, without spot or wrinkle or any other imperfection.

Cybermom