Good Morning Garden

Next comes the silver. This stands for greed of money or money’s worth, for material objects that can be bought, and even for riches themselves. Or it may be that the offender is not interested in riches themselves but in their ability to give him a position of honor in the eyes of the world. He wants to be considered important and to have adulation or applause. Often he wants to be a “leader,” not because he has a message to give but to be important. He is the victim of egotism. Now this is a base and ignoble sin; an insurmountable barrier across the spiritual path.

For 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).

Money is not evil. Having money is not evil. It will not defile us nor will it corrupt us. In fact, properly used and given its appropriate status, it can facilitate great good and bring life, health, comfort and hope. The problems associated with money comes from within us. Jesus said nothing from without can defile us, but it is what we have within us that defiles us. Greed, vanity, egotism, power mongering, desire for control of others and the idolatry of wealth all comes from within and are expressed (pressed out) into the world by us. But beware of this. Money and wealth do appeal to our weaknesses, easily lend themselves to abuse and can facilitate our separation from God. Because of its power to provide material security, it often becomes a substitute for spiritual security and blocks our path to God. If we want to be sure that our relationship with wealth is a healthy one, we should ask ourselves a few simple questions. Which do we enjoy more, giving it away or piling it up and spending it? How much do we spend on ourselves versus how much we spend on others or give away? If we were penniless tomorrow, would we still be happy? The honest answers to these questions self-reveal whether our reaction to money is defiling us from within. It will also may help determine whether we live in the Garden or reside East of Eden due to our inner materialism.

Seeking the Temple,
Z gardener