|
Mammon: Riches; wealth; or the god of riches.
Greek: mamonas [mam-mo-nas’]: mammon [4]; figurative wealth, personified); mammonas, i.e. avarice (deified): - mammon. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. a common Aramaic word for "riches," akin to a Hebrew word signifying "to be firm, steadfast" (whence "Amen"), hence, "that which is to be trusted;" Gesenius regards it as derived from a Heb. word signifying "treasure” Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words.
It was once said that ¾ of the parables in the Bible deal with the idea of wealth [money] and the use of it. I can’t say that I have never done a study or analysis of that, but we can say that 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)10 “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.”
It is of the utmost importance to always be analyzing your motives, especially in the realm of finances. The scriptures speak of the ‘gift of giving’’ [Rom12:8] and this is the type of man who is always looking for a reason to be benevolent, to feed the poor and to be looking for ways to bless your fellow man. I believe the key word in this passage in Luke is serve. It is defined as perform duties or services for another person or an organization; present food or drink to someone; be of use in achieving or satisfying; function for or treat someone in an upbeat, specified way. God said that Matthew 25:40 (NKJV)…. ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' I have said it before and will say it again, “use money to love people, don’t love money to use people”.
There is a Biblically specific reason for you to gain wealth, and it is not so you, your wife and your two children can live a life in a lap of luxury. Yes, it is true that God wants us to enjoy our wealth, but the main function has always been to remember the widows and the poor and the ministry, so that the gospel can continue to move forward by example and use of your gift. Don’t flaunt your blessings, especially where debt and overabundance of hours of work are concerned. Always keep your eyes and ears open to the working of the Holy Spirit and be quick to be obedient to His calling and direction. Then and only then will money have a proper place in your Christian walk, and you will not find yourself on the wrong side of the ownership of wealth. [ they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”]
| 
