Can the desire for wealth tell Jesus that money is more important than He is?

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:9-10

Can the desire for wealth tell Jesus that money is more important than He is?

Think of it...how many of us have change who we basically are in the pursuit of wealthy? How many of us have spend hours daydreaming of ways to gain wealth when we could have spent that time prayerfully considering how to better Christians, family members, or parents, etc.?

How many of us have dressed a particular way to give the impression to others that we are deserving of more wealth, a raise, a particular job, status, etc.? How many of us have worked extra hours, whether at work or home, in pursuit of more wealth, a raise, a particular job, status, etc.? How many of us have missed family events in pursuit of more wealth, a raise, a particular job, status, etc.?

How many of us feel we have inadequate time to pray, to read the Bible, to go to church, because of the pursuit more wealth, a raise, a particular job, status, etc.? We need to be in prayerful contemplation about our priorities and hopefully Jesus and family are on top!

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

When we share a juicy piece of gossip with someone, am I being an example of how Jesus works in my life?

And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they out not. 1 Timothy 5:13

When we share a juicy piece of gossip with someone, am I being an example of how Jesus works in my life?

I can tell you, I've been guilty of this one more times than I would like to admit. After reading this verse so many times in the Bible, it's really weighed on my heart. Am I being an example of how Jesus works in my life? 

Of course not! The thing is, it's so tempting and seems relatively harmless, but is it? Things we share with others can be shared again and can actually negative affect how other people interact with the person being talked about. Sometimes, that person can become isolated from others when they need their support the most. Another effect is that every time we gossip, we are modeling this behavior as acceptable to others, not to mention our children who copy both our weaknesses and our strengths. Is this what we want for them to emulate?

When we complain about what we have or don't have and envy those who have it, are we telling Jesus we aren't thankful for all He's done for us?

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 4:14-15

When we complain about what we have or don't have and envy those who have it, are we telling Jesus we aren't thankful for all He's done for us?

It's so easy to get caught up in looking at what others have and feel like we got the short end of the stick. Every time we complain, it's got to hurt Jesus' heart, because it's a form of not being thankful for what He's given us, what He's done for us, and all He continues to do for us. 

When we wish we had the newer technology, isn't that the same thing? Aren't we saying that we are not satisfied with what Jesus has given us, what He's done for us, and all He continues to do for us. 

When we see someone who has clothes we wish we had, aren't we saying that we are not satisfied with what Jesus has given us, what He's done for us, and all He continues to do for us. 

The list could go on and on, but Jesus wants us to have a grateful heart and it's worth praying for!

If we look at our horoscope, check our fortune cookie, or turn to the stars or crystals, does Jesus think it's as a fun, harmless thing we are doing?

But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly element to which you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years.I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain. Galatians 4:9-11

If we look at our horoscope, check our fortune cookie, or turn to the stars or crystals, does Jesus think it's as a fun, harmless thing we are doing?

You wouldn’t believe the number of Christians who read their horoscope each day.  Most people that I’ve talked to think that reading their horoscope is harmless, something they do as a joke.  It’s kind of scary to think how insidious a thing like reading a horoscope can be. 

Sometimes people start reading it just for fun.  Then it starts creeping into their mind.  They think things like, “I probably shouldn’t do this thing today because my horoscope said it isn’t a good day to do things like this.”  Then they find themselves not doing things because they didn’t read their horoscope that morning and they don’t want to make any major decisions until they’ve read it.  They probably don’t even realize that they are being led astray by turning to something other than God for guidance.  It’s worth assessing the little things that we do that allow our focus to be pulled away from God.

Here is a related passages:

*And he [Manasseh] did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.  For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.  2 Kings, Chapter 21, verses 2-3.

It’s worth assessing the little things that we do that allow our focus to be pulled away from God.