I was on Facebook the other day and saw an ad for “Kingdom Builders” and I was perplexed at the ad. It stated that with classes from Joyce Meyer, Reinhard Bonnke, Darlene Zschech and others you will learn how to write books, start a business and grow your ministry. None of which sounds bad from the outset, but then when you click the link the quote about Ms. Lowe who is the driving force behind Kingdom Builders says that she is a strategist to the stars having helped them build their brands, but yet has led over 500,000 business people to faith. On the site there are quotes from prominent men and women who are or are thought to be people of faith. Then below those quotes are others from people claiming that Ms. Lowe helped them write a book in a weekend and sell out the first print, or their book reached number one on Amazon, or making $5,000 from one client as a relationship coach.

I don’t know why I even stopped on that particular ad, or even why it was in my feed. The ads tend to be based on your profile, so I guess gullible, non Bible reading Christian would be what they think of me.  In the book of Matthew in chapter 6 verses 19-21 we are told to store up treasures in heaven; “19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I am not saying that there is anything wrong with working towards providing a better life for you and your family, nor is there anything wrong with being rich, but if things are more important to you like the rich man who asked Jesus in the book of Matthew what he should do to obtain eternal life after asking if the man had kept the commandments, “20 The young man said to Him, all these things I have kept; what am I still lacking 21 Jesus said to him, If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. 22 But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. 23 And Jesus said to His disciples, Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

It makes me sad when I see other Christians who are only pursuing the almighty dollar instead of just pursuing The Almighty. Sure it is not fun to struggle and wouldn’t it be great if we could all have all the money we needed when we needed, but then wouldn’t that just create greater and greater need? There is nothing wrong with learning to hone your God-given gifts, we are called to use these gifts instead of hide them under a bushel, but we are not called to build an empire and making it sound prettier to a Christian by calling it kingdom building does not change what it is….greed.