The Holiest of All by Andrew Murray eBook & audio book

522 Ubc IbolicBt of ail
Be ye free from the love of money. The temptation comes
so unobscrvcdly, both to the rich man who has money, and to
him who is still seeking for it. The tempter comes like a very
angel of light. In money itself there is no sin. Is it not one of
God's good gifts ? May not the possession of it be the proof of
honest labour and diligence and forethought, of self-denial and
wise economy
;
a
token of God's blessing on our work ; a power
to help others and benefit society. Is not poverty frequently a
sign of sloth and sin ? Is not money one great means for
attaining God's purpose, that man should bring the whole world
into subjection to himself?
Scripture knows and teaches all this. And yet it raises its
voice aloud and cries : Beware of covetousness. The love of money is
a root of all kinds of evil {\ Tim. vi. 9, 10, 16, 17, 18). So insidious
is the approach and entrance of this sin, so many and specious
are the arguments by which it can be cloaked and made to
wear the garments of the truest virtue, that the Christian, to
whom prosperity comes, needs ever to be on his guard. It is only
the man who truly seeks first the kingdom of God, who longs
after the utmost conformity to the Master, and seeks to be
taught by Himself what and how to own, who holds all He has,
not in name but in actual practice, at the disposal of Jesus, who
will escape the snare. Be content with such things as ye
have. Here is the .safety of the Christian. Study well the
Master's teaching in the Sermon on the Mount ; learn from His
Spirit in thee to breathe its spirit. Let the treasure in heaven,
the being rich in God and in good works, let the blessedness of
living in the love and the will of God, in the heavenly riches of
a holy character, and a life of Christlike beneficence, fill the
heart, and we shall be content in any lot, and shall in contentment
find our safeguard against anxious care or love of money.