Does being wealthy prevent you from having a relationship with god?
THE BATTLE AXE: Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013)— (5.) The person who voluntarily approaches Jesus Christ for baptism through the church established in the earth should first acknowledge their human need for salvation, and that their submission to GOD through baptism is only a beginning for a new relationship with the Divine Creator that can not be fully realized except through an eternal life. With this in view, confession of ones emotional, material, psychological and spiritual need should be in place before baptism as well as ones rejection of sin displayed through their own wicked behavior and conduct. Thus, for example, a believer should grasp that repentance (turning to GOD at the same time one turns away from sin) may be gradual, and will continue over time only by multiple operations of the Holy Spirit. Upon arriving at the age of accountability (it varies among denominations from ages 8-18), and following their instruction and upbringing within the church, those also who came to Christ through parental decisions for infant and child baptism, must make an independent and public choice for Christ. (6.) Denominations vary on the basis of doctrine and teachings, how they trace their origins to Christ, and their hierarchy and structure for overall administration and conduct of day to day affairs as an institution. Thus, for example, Catholic and Episcopal believers are encouraged that many of their observances have come through an unbroken line of bishops that extends to the eleven apostles who actually lived and walked with Jesus; while Apostolic and Pentecostal believers trace their observances to widespread “awakenings” and spiritual revivals whereby modern-day believers received outpourings of the Holy Ghost like that of the early church on the day of Pentecost. The new believer’s need for continuing encouragement and support can be very great, for all who follow Christ will encounter opposition by family, friends, and those of the world that can be devastating to ones developing faith. Even so, their relationship to GOD must be the primary focus; and there must be trust that Christ will lead to GOD despite any human errors, failings, unanswered questions, ungodly obstacles, sin, or weakness. GOD will be present to guide, correct, heal, and continually oversee ones acquisition of permanent change (we say, perfection). (7.) The disciples and followers of Jesus are to be an incarnation of Christ, and vessels containing divinity. With this in view, death of the believer and receipt of new life through their baptism is experienced as a continuing truth recorded in the books of heaven, and not just a one-time social event that may be annulled through neglect, canceled, dismissed, and forgotten. Like the Apostle Paul, believers should operate with an awareness that, through prayer and unselfish service, they are to “die daily” to sin, and are to be raised again to GOD and Christ. See Galatians 2: 20, 1st Corinthians 1: 9-18, Romans 6: 1-23 and 1st Corinthians 15: 1-58, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. (Psalms 75: 5-7, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Head Not The Tail? (10/21/2013); Stronger Tests for the Strong? (10/22/2013); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); On Seeing Jesus Serve the Poor (12/03/2012); Hero or Zero? (12/04/2012); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012)
“Clara”, here are some points for consideration that have been useful to clarify various Bible teachings among Christian believers:
(1.) Great wealth often triggers destruction of the spirit content from GOD that should reside in all living persons. Corruption and decay of the divine endowment that had been established in the Creation of Adam has continued in humankind since the time of Adam’s transgression. The rotting and wasting away of sacred content for all created beings and living creatures is accelerated within each individual who turns away from GOD under the influence of material objects and social pressures.
(2.) The rich experience demands for consistency, distinction, duty, industry, regularity, predictability, and responsibility that often skewer a person’s self-awareness leading to arrogance, haughtiness, idolatry, and pride. Additionally, great wealth can foster apathy, covetousness, decadence, cupidity, ennui, idleness, materialism, nonconformity, pleasure-seeking, squandering and waste.
(3.) While many aspects of relationship to GOD are not dependent on choice and will among created beings and living creatures (e.g., Creation, judgment, salvation, sanctification), believers and disciples of Jesus Christ are those who willingly make a commitment to display the operation of GOD upon and through their being. Just as the poor are always with us, and they are used by GOD to give warning, to stir compassion, and to demonstrate longsuffering; the wealthy serve in examples that make visible divine approval, pleasure, displeasure, and wrath against sin.
There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood. For example, (4.) It is not a sin to be wealthy; however, it is a sin to “forget GOD,” or deny that GOD is the source of ones blessing and prosperity. Divine judgment is impartial, and there is no bias against those who are affluent. Believers are not to condemn the wealthy, or continually rant against them with bitterness, censure, envy, negative criticism, and resentment. Instead, it is the duty of those in Christ to display compassion, humility, and to pray for the continued success of the wealthy whereby many are being quietly benefited in unseen ways.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Surely The Light of the World will soon shine forth. Happy Hanukkah to all.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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