Revelation 3:17; Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing, and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.
The scripture above is in reference to a church that changed it’s doctrine from the prescribed: the doctrine of Christ. This change of doctrine made the laity physically rich in themselves but not towards God. Hence the rebuke from Christ. This is the effect of any doctrine outside of the doctrine of Christ. Is Christ against material wealth ? Not at all! The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.
However when the Church has its doctrine leaning toward temporary things, they move Church away from the reason for its existence, which is Christ. They make believers depend on themselves and earthly possessions. The present state of the Church is due to this, where the believer is deemed blessed based on their wealth, fame and status in society, whiles other believers are deemed “not” blessed” for the lack of the aforementioned.
Many believers for this reason, are caught in all kinds of snares and have thus shipwrecked their faith. Hence the hymn writer sang “on Christ the solid rock l stand all other grounds is sinking sand”. This is why we are not to teach about ourselves but Christ Jesus and Him crucified. Teachings centred on Christ opens the believer up to true wealth; it makes the believer find his value and worth in the finished work of Christ and not in fleshly achievements or earthly possessions.
It’s a brand new day! Keep enjoying Kharis!
Pastor Josh Laryea