Books by Dave Ramsey include:
“The Total Money Makeover.”
“Baby Steps Millionaires.”
“Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money.”
As the founder of Ramsey Solutions, Dave Ramsey has created ways to help simple couples overcome simple problems, in simple ways, to become simple financial experts. His success has accumulated millions and his knowledge has instructed much more. Dave Ramsey teaches people how to handle their money right financially, but Paul taught Timothy how to handle money right spiritually (1 Timothy 6-10, 17-19).
Money or riches are present things from which no one can flee. They feed the hungry, buy shelter, provide transportation, and fund the work of the church. It is not the obtaining of money that is the problem, but the how, the why, and perhaps the when of obtaining the money that is. Timothy was told “the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). Many have killed, stolen, abused, lied, and cheated all to see the bank account increase (2 Kings 5:20-27 Proverbs 1:16-19). Homes are lost (Proverbs 15:27), marriages ruined, kingdoms collapse, and souls are doomed all for the five letter word, MONEY.
What can the Christian do to have a good relationship with riches? Paul’s last section in his epistle to Timothy addressed this issue. He wrote, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Here are four principles to keep in mind about one’s relationship with money.
Have a Right Attitude (1 Timothy 6:17). Money gains its power when men believe they themselves are better because of it, or when men begin to make it the center of everything. Greed is one of man’s most prized sins. A higher number in the wallet or bank is often equated with success. Every decision seems to be passed through the “filter” of money as if it was the deciding factor for everything people do. Success can bring pride (Deuteronomy 6:10-12; Proverbs 30:9), so people must keep watch on their heart (Proverbs 4:23). Trusting in riches makes a person have distrust in God. Paul urged Timothy to teach others to trust “in the living God” (1 Timothy 6:17). One ought to glory in and rely on God, not his own stocks, savings, or salary (Jeremiah 9:23-24; Hebrews 13:5). While poverty can lead to heartache and despair, succumbing to the covetousness of money is deathly.
Will Rogers wrote “Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant.” The problem men have with money is that they enslave themselves to it. Paul called such a relationship idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Before preaching a pertinent parable, Jesus proclaimed “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). Having a right attitude toward money helps us keep it far enough away not to harm us and close enough in order to help us. There was “a rich man who was determined to take his wealth with him. He told his wife to get all his money together, put it in a sack, and then hang the sack from the rafters in the attic. He said, ‘When my spirit is caught up to heaven, I’ll grab the sack on my way.’ Well, he eventually died, and the woman raced to the attic, only to find the money still there. She said, ‘I knew I should’ve put the sack in the basement.’”[1] The love of money can literally send a man to hell!
We Need to Have the Right Purpose (1 Timothy 6:17).
God made the world for all to enjoy (Genesis 1:31; Ecclesiastes 3:11). Richness is sometimes an indication of God’s blessing (Proverbs 10:22). Men’s fruit is to be enjoyed (Ecclesiastes 2:24, 3:13), as long as they are kept in the proper perspective. Men are only stewards (1 Corinthians 4:2), not owners. No man could truly claim ownership of his wallet, account, or bonds for God said, “the world is mine” (Psalm 50:12).
If men would trust God, they would have what they need (and often what they want[2]). The problem is discontentment.
“A beggar asked a millionaire,
‘How many more dollars
Would it take to
Make you truly happy?’
The millionaire,
Reaching his gnarled hands
Into the beggar’s cup, replied,
‘Only one more!”[3]
On the other hand, contentment is the balance that creates a right relationship with money (1 Timothy 6:6-8). One Proverb reads, “If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy.” Solomon penned “Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain” (Proverbs 30:8-9). Jesus preached that the “meek inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Having the right perspective with money allows us to appreciate it more. We need to look at money the way God does.
We Need to Have the Right Action (1 Timothy 6:18).
Paradoxically, a right relationship with money demands that one part ways with it. One loses his riches to find true riches. The rich ought to be like benevolent Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37). The outcome of withholding and giving was noted by Solomon when he wrote “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” (Proverbs 11:24-25). Paul urged the rich to do good by being:
Rich in good works. One’s works should be as high as their riches.[4] Greedy people have hardened hearts (1 Samuel 25:3, 10-11), but doing good to others “is the only enjoyment that never fails.”[5]
Ready to distribute. God’s rich people have a check filled out and a bill ready to be administered to someone in need.
Ready to communicate. The word means sociable.[6] One should not shy away from opportunities to help those in need (Galatians 6:10; 1 John 3:17-18).
Only when we are able to part with our money will we be able to have a good relationship with it. Helping others is good medicine will cure any disease, real or imagined. “An eminent surgeon, who was also an eminent Christian, visited a lady who …like some ladies I have heard of, was frequently troubled with imaginary diseases. The good doctor was frequently called in, until at last he said to her, ‘Madam, I will give you a prescription which I am certain will make a healthy woman of you, if you will follow it.’ ‘Sir,”’she said, ‘I shall be so glad to have good health that I will be sure to follow it.’ ‘Madam, I will send you the prescription this evening.’ When it arrived it consisted of these words, ‘Do good to somebody.’ She roused herself to relieve a poor neighbour, and then sought out others who needed her help, and the Christian woman, who had been so constantly desponding and nervous, became a healthy, cheerful woman, for she had an object to live for, and found joy in doing good to others.”[7]
Do good with money else money will do evil with you.
We Need to Have the Right Direction (1 Timothy 6:19).
Lipscomb observed “The right use of riches lays a foundation from which the rich may lay hold on the eternal life.”[8] Having the right attitude, being content, and giving to others will ultimately build one’s wealth in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Sometimes being poor on earth creates greater wealth in heaven (Matthew 19:21; James 2:5). The rich can go to heaven (Matthew 19:23-26), but only if they “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).
Since riches fly away (Proverbs 23:4-5; 27:24) we must work hard to build wealth in heaven. Realizing that the treasures of heaven are superior to earthen treasures will make the carnal treasures mean less. “A man, knowing it was his time to go to Heaven, asked the Lord if he could bring just one thing. After many requests, the Lord allowed him to bring one item. The man packed a suitcase full of gold. When he arrived in Heaven, the angels asked what was in the suitcase. Upon seeing the gold, they remarked, ‘Oh, it’s pavement.’”[9] Figuratively speaking, the greatest physical riches are just the materials for the ground in heaven!
God gave us money, wealth, and prosperity to enjoy. We cannot afford to lose our souls because we are afraid that we will lose our salaries or savings. Be wise with money and save for heaven.
Endnotes
[2]Adam Clarke.
[3]Craig Brian Larson, 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers, and Writers, Baker Books, 2007, 220.
[4]Albert Barnes.
[5]David Lipscomb, A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles, Gospel Advocate Co., 1989, p. 187.
[6]Thayer.
[7]Biblical Illustrator.
[8]David Lipscomb, A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles, Gospel Advocate Co., 1989, p. 188.
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