Most Christians know about the dangers lurking behind the Get-Rich-QUICK mentality of our time. You know, those fantastic “deals” that flash surface logic that belies a nefarious underbelly.
Get-Rich-QUICK schemes by definition have trouble written all over them and are fairly easy to spot in their dramatic entry and over-the-top allure.
Of course we should pay attention to that temptation and steer clear of its destructive force. But there is a trap hiding in the dark that I saw yesterday while talking to a group of Christians who claimed they would never fall for a Get-Rich-QUICK scheme.
Fair enough. I’ll take that at face value. But the story didn’t end there.
Immediately after dismissing the Get-Rich-QUICK trap, the group pivoted to a discussion about what God says about money and the myriad implications to our walk with Christ. At least that was what they said. But something just didn’t seem right.
It felt like they had merely inserted Get-Rich-SLOW for Get-Rich-Quick and assigned it a cover story and alias–LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SECURITY.
You know…plan and save and think about the future. All essential to be sure. But underneath that cover seemed to be contrived rationale to dream about their “ship coming in” full of gold.
I would call that way of thinking a self-perpetrated sham.
How can Christians avoid BOTH Get-Rich-QUICK and Get-Rich-SLOW schemes?
It all comes down to our motivations and goals that are manifest in the attitudes we have about making an ETERNAL impact on earth.
In the end, it’s not about the money. It’s about people. And it’s about this piercingly powerful challenge: Who am I touching for Christ?
I ask God to keep me from any inclination to focus on riches over being content in him and living out my purpose with an Eternal perspective for him and his Kingdom.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Is there any sign of “Get-Rich-SLOW” hanging around your thoughts and dreams for the future?
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” Proverbs 12:11
