I watched a video a few days ago that focused on pastors who own multimillion-dollar mansions. I was shocked. Using Jesus and the Apostles as an example, how can they possibly justify living in a 15-bedroom house on hundreds of acres and pay no taxes because it’s called a “parsonage”?
“And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Luke 9:57-58).
Is there anything wrong if a man has been blessed by God to have riches? Not really, but it should make you take a strong look at the content of the sermons, and also what he does with all the money. Do they preach a false doctrine, such as the “prosperity gospel”? Do they preach against sin and for forgiveness, or do they preach “seeker-friendly” sermons with no repentance? Be cautious when choosing to join a fellowship where the pastor seems to have riches but little truth.
When the Apostle Paul was teaching Timothy how to be a pastor, he told him to be content with “enough.” “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 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. 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” (1 Timothy 6:8-10).
Love God, not money. He will take care of your needs.
I’m satisfied with just a cottage below
A little silver and a little gold
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I want a gold one that’s silver lined.
The Apostle Paul faced many hardships in his service for the Lord but learned to be content in whatever situation he was in. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).
It’s important to be satisfied with what God allows in your life. Life on this earth is temporary, and we must set our sights on eternity. If we learn to thank God for everything, we will be satisfied with what we have. God will always provide for your needs. When Jesus taught about trusting God to provide for us, He said to look around at how God provides for His creation.
“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-30).
Riches in this world are fleeting, but Christians have a mansion waiting.
Though often tempted, tormented and tested
And like the prophet, my pillow is stone
And though I find here, no permanent dwelling
I know He’ll give me a mansion my own.
We face many challenges every day. The difference between being content and being in turmoil is trusting God. Most of our problems come from acting in a worldly manner. Temptations to sin are ever present. Satan and his minions are all around, bombarding us with fiery darts of temptation.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:6-9).
Satan puts the temptations to sin in front of everybody, both Christians and non-Christians. Resist the temptations. Think of the Prophet Daniel. He lived in a very pagan environment. He had been kidnapped when he was a young man, but never stopped honoring God in all he did. When he refused to bow down and worship a pagan idol, he was thrown into a den of hungry lions. How did he survive?
“Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt” (Daniel 6:21-22).
Daniel served God in spite of the temptations to sin, which he faced daily. God shut the mouth of the hungry lions, and He will keep you safe through the many temptations, torments, and tests you face in this world. When a law was passed requiring everybody to bow down and worship an idol, Daniel chose to openly worship God Almighty.
Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely
I’m not discouraged; I’m heaven bound
I’m just a pilgrim in search of a city
I want a mansion, a robe, and a crown.
How do you judge a person? If they have a lot of money, do you desire to be their friend? When I was a child, I thought it would be wonderful to be one of the many child stars I saw on television. As I grew older, I realized that Hollywood promoted a way of life that I wanted no part of. I read stories of the drugs, alcohol, and deviant lifestyles, and I want no part in that.
The riches in this life are temporary and will be left here upon death. We all will face judgment. Non-Christians will be judged by their own works…no works can bring salvation. Only a life built upon a foundation of God will survive the flames. It is only the righteousness of Jesus that brings salvation to sinners such as we.
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (1 Corinthians 3:11-13).
You aren’t saved by works, but your works will earn rewards in Heaven. I want a crown to throw at Jesus’ feet! He’s done everything for me; I wish I could do more for Him.
I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we’ll never grow old
And some day yonder we’ll never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold.
Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us. The words were spoken to His disciples not long before His crucifixion, but they are meant for all of us. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).
If you’ve researched Jewish marriage customs of the time, you’ll better understand this passage. When a man and woman became engaged, the commitment was unbreakable, and the groom would return to his father’s house and build a place for him and his bride to live. When the home was ready, the groom would surprise his bride and take her to the home he had prepared. Jesus has prepared a place for His bride…the ekklesia… His church.
Prophecy is being fulfilled quickly. Troubling times are here, but if you believe God and trust Him, you will have peace that only comes from the Holy Spirit indwelling you. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).
The word “Conversation” means the way you live your life. Be content with what you have and live to please Him; there’s a day coming when you’ll have a mansion made by Jesus Himself.
I’m ready to move; how about you?
God bless you all,
Nathele Graham
Recommended prophecy sites:
All original Scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.
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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).