Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us betherewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and intomany foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For thelove of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erredfrom the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man ofGod, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art alsocalled, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” “Charge themthat are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches,but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, thatthey be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up instore for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay holdon eternal life.”Paul in this letter to Timothy would impress upon his mind the necessity of givingsuch instruction as should remove the deception which so easily steals upon the rich,that because of their riches they are superior to those who are in poverty, that becauseof their ability to acquire they are superior in wisdom and judgment—in short, thatgain is godliness. Here is a fearful deception. How few heed the charge which Paulcommissioned Timothy to make to the rich! How many flatter themselves that theiracquisitiveness is godliness! Paul declares, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”Although rich persons may devote their whole lives to the one object of getting riches,yet as they brought nothing into the world, they can carry nothing out. They must dieand leave that which cost them so much labor to obtain. They staked their all, theireternal interest, to obtain this property, and have lost both worlds.Paul shows what risks men will run to become rich. But541