Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

500 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[542]after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves throughwith many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; andfollow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thouart also called, and hast professed a good profession before manywitnesses.” “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be nothigh-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, whogiveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be richin good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying upin store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come,that they may lay hold on eternal life.”Paul in this letter to Timothy would impress upon his mind thenecessity of giving such instruction as should remove the deceptionwhich so easily steals upon the rich, that because of their riches theyare superior to those who are in poverty, that because of their ability toacquire they are superior in wisdom and judgment—in short, that gainis godliness. Here is a fearful deception. How few heed the chargewhich Paul commissioned Timothy to make to the rich! How manyflatter themselves that their acquisitiveness is godliness! Paul declares,“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Although rich personsmay devote their whole lives to the one object of getting riches, yet asthey brought nothing into the world, they can carry nothing out. Theymust die and leave that which cost them so much labor to obtain. Theystaked their all, their eternal interest, to obtain this property, and havelost both worlds.Paul shows what risks men will run to become rich. But manyare determined to be rich; this is their study, and in their zeal eternalconsiderations are overlooked. They are blinded by Satan and makethemselves believe that it is for good purposes they desire this gain;they strain their consciences, deceive themselves, and are constantlycoveting riches. Such have erred from the faith and pierced themselvesthrough with many sorrows. They have sacrificed their noble, elevatedprinciples, given up their faith for riches, and, if not disappointedin their object, they are disappointed in the happiness which theysupposed riches would bring. They are entangled, perplexed with care;they have made themselves slaves to their avarice and compelled theirfamilies to the same slavery, and the advantages they reap are “manysorrows.” “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not