There are some big differences in attitude between UK and US Christians towards money and its acquisition. For example, I learned at church (in UK) about it being easier for a rich man to pass through the eye of a needle than to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This teaching seems to be forgotten by many American denominations.
Perhaps distance obscures ...
This is a very much non-overlooked topic. There are many verses in the Bible that teach against lusting after worldly wealth.
(Matthew 6:19-21)
*19* Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
*20* But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
*21* For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
(1 Timothy 6:7-10)
*7* For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
*8* And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
*9* But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
*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.
(Matthew 6:24)
*24* No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
I can go on.
The bottom line, if we concern ourselves with nothing but worldly temptations and worries, we'll stay worldly. In a society saturated in Capitalism, I can only pray for the souls of my brothers and sisters. I myself find that I am a slave to the system. I work, pay bills, acquire property, and do it all over again, every day. However, I try and be content with my current position while in the back of my mind I pray for his return.
