Read: Luke 12:13-21
In his book of sermon illustrations, C. H. Spurgeon wrote: “Riches may prove a curse as well as a blessing.” He then shared a personal experience that illustrated the point. As he was strolling through an orchard, he saw a tree bowed down with the weight of its fruit. Taking a closer look, Spurgeon noticed that the tree’s branches were not only severely bending to the ground, but many of them had actually broken. The tree had been “broken by the weight of its treasures.” As he stood there looking at that bountiful yet tragic sight, Spurgeon exclaimed to himself, “Here lies one who has been ruined by his riches!”
Nothing is wrong with being wealthy. In fact, money can be a real blessing. Down through the years the church has benefited greatly because wealthy people have unselfishly contributed to the cause of Christ. Not every Christian, though, is strong enough to bear the weight of prosperity. Paul the apostle wrote, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things…” (1 Tim. 6:10-11). Money is dangerous, not so much because of what we do with it but because of what it can do to us.
If God has blessed you with wealth, thank Him for it and seek His wisdom in handling it. Remember, like that tree, people can be ruined by their riches. Keep in mind that fools can make money, but it takes a wise person to know how to use it.
