Materialismo
O materialismo é uma armadilha espiritual. A Bíblia alerta que o amor ao dinheiro é raiz de todos os males e nos chama a buscar tesouros no céu, não na terra.
O perigo das riquezas
Que aproveita ao homem ganhar o mundo inteiro e perder a sua alma? O materialismo engana e afasta do que realmente importa.
What benefit is it for you to gain the whole world, yet lose your life? What would you give in exchange for your life?
What use is it for you to gain everything in the whole world, and lose your life?
Those who are determined to become rich fall into the trap of temptation, following many foolish and damaging impulses.
For we didn’t bring anything into the world, and we can’t take anything out with us either. But if we have food and clothes then that’s enough for us.
For we didn’t bring anything into the world, and we can’t take anything out with us either. But if we have food and clothes then that’s enough for us.
Tesouros no céu
Ajuntai tesouros no céu, onde traça e ferrugem não consomem. O bom nome vale mais que muitas riquezas, e a sabedoria supera o ouro.
Don’t pile up wealth here on earth where moths and rust ruin it, and where thieves break in and steal it. Instead, you should store up your wealth in heaven, where moths and rust don’t ruin it, and where thieves don’t break in and steal it.
For what you value the most shows who you really are.
Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, then go and sell your possessions, give the money to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me."
A good reputation is a much better choice than plenty of money; respect is better than silver and gold.
Far better to get wisdom than gold; far better to choose knowledge than silver.
It’s better to respect the Lord and only have a little than to have plenty of money and the trouble that comes with it.
Contentamento e generosidade
Grande ganho é a piedade com contentamento. A cobiça é idolatria, mas a generosidade traz alegria e bênção.
But knowing and following God is so incredibly satisfying!
Warn those who are rich in the present world not to become proud. Tell them not to place their trust in wealth that is so insecure but in God who so freely gives us everything for our enjoyment.
Don’t love money; be content with what you have. God himself has said, "I’ll never let you down; I’ll never give up on you."
So kill your worldly nature—sexual sin, immorality, lust, evil desires, greedily wanting to have more—this is the worship of idols.
"Watch out, and beware of all greedy thoughts and actions, for a person’s life isn’t summed up by all the things they own."
People who love money never have enough money; those who love wealth never have enough income. This too is so temporary and makes little sense.
When we die, we leave just as naked as when we were born, taking nothing with us from all we’ve worked for.
O invisível acima do visível
As coisas que se veem são temporais; as que não se veem são eternas. Devemos fixar os olhos no que é permanente e verdadeiro.
We don’t concern ourselves with what can be seen, for we look forward to what can’t be seen. What we see is temporary, but what we can’t see is eternal.
Rich people see their wealth as a fortified town—it’s like a high wall in their imagination.
Wealth won’t help you on judgment day, but goodness saves you from death.
It disappears in the blink of an eye, suddenly growing wings and flying off into the sky like an eagle.
Some people only want more and more all the time, but the good give generously.
Keep me from being false, help me not to tell lies. Don’t make me poor or rich; just provide me with the food I need.
In the same way, women should dress sensibly, modestly, and appropriately. They should be attractive not in their hairstyle or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but by the good things they do—as is appropriate for women who claim to follow God.
All the believers thought and felt the same way. None of them claimed anything they had as their own, but shared everything with each other.