Longing to be Rich will Lead to Ruin

“But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:9 NLT

In a story published by CBS NEWS earlier this week, it was reported that the man accused of setting his ex-girlfriend, Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, on fire in an attack that proved fatal has died in a Kenyan hospital of his own burns sustained during the incident. Dickson Ndiema died at the Moi Teaching Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where Cheptegei also died several days after suffering burns in the dispute with her former boyfriend, which was allegedly over land. Neighbors reported hearing voices before seeing Ndiema pour gasoline over Cheptegei as she returned from church with her two daughters on Aug. 31. He, too, was seriously injured in the attack and succumbed in the hospital's intensive care unit to complications from the burns, a hospital official said Tuesday.

Sadly, this tale of murder and mayhem began like countless other diabolical stories throughout time—stories that ended in absolutely tragic ways. A person longed “to be rich” so much that they allowed their pursuit of money and property to completely consume their heart and mind, thereby plunging both themselves and those caught in their path into “ruin and destruction.” Which is the very reason we are told to be content with what we have. In this way, we will not fall into temptation to seek more and will avoid the many griefs that come from being discontent with what the Lord has so graciously provided for us. 

So resist the urge to lust after the things of this world my friend. God has promised to meet all our needs (not our greeds). May we be satisfied with that. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are precious blessings in being content with the things You have given us in this life. Help us to see and appreciate all the ways you provide for our needs Lord so that we would guard our hearts from seeking more. Help us to be content and grateful in having our needs met so that our hearts and minds are consumed with worshiping You rather than accumulating wealth. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!