Last night in Greek class, my instructor used the following example to explain the use of the subjunctive mood. It’s basically the mood of possibility.
If I were rich, I’d pay for TBI’s expansion project.
Everyone chuckled. I didn’t. I was thrilled on the inside. It tapped into some of my really big thoughts. I had a question about this statement.
My instructor revealed a desire he had to be rich in order to do something great for Jesus’ kingdom. Does this desire stand under Paul’s warning about seeking riches in 1 Timothy 6:9?
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
If those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, a snare, and many senseless and harmful desires plunge them into ruin and destruction… would this warning include within its pale the desire to be rich so you could fully fund a ministry project?
It has come to my attention that my understanding of riches, wealth, and prosperity are skewed and malnourished in my understanding of God, His Kingdom, and the Bible. The Word is the place I’m going in order to understand these things more. There is a false gospel out there that has caused at least one major casualty in American Christians’ living: we’re afraid of the words “health,” “wealth” and “prosperity.” We’re afraid of saying, “God wants to bless you financially.”
Are you? I know I am. I take on those words with borderline guilt.
WHY??? And how should I approach these things rightly?
Was Solomon just being cynical when he said in Ecclesiastes 10:19….
Bread is made for laughter,
and wine gladdens life,
and money answers everything.
Or was Paul cautious when he promised in 2 Corinthians 9:10-11….
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God
Or was John just being polite when he said in 3 John 2….
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
This is the next stage of my theological journey, and I plan on updating you with my progress. I seek your responses, any responses, if you’d like to contribute.
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