5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

The first election I remember was an Ontario provincial election in 1960. The reason I remember it is that we had a polling station in our house - the only time we ever did. And the winner of the election was Walter Pittman, who lived about a block from our place, and who won under the "New Party" banner, which became the New Democratic Part not long after that.

It felt a lot like they were trying to buy our votes. That's not possible, is it?

One advantage of living in Canada is that our elections are short. The most recent one was only 5 or 6 weeks, from when the date was announced, until it was all order. In the US, I'm pretty sure the 2024 Presidential election (still a year away) began somewhere around 2016. Anyway, it seems that whenever an election is about to be called, we start hearing about money being given to this part of the electorate, or that program, or something.

And on the other end, how do life-long politicians, who have a pretty good but not exorbitant salary, become so wealthy? How do they end up owning so many houses? And with such good stock portfolios?

It seems some people will do anything for a buck!

Some will even listen to preachers who will say, "God wants you to be rich!" Who will quote verses like "My God shall supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory!" (Ph.4:19).

And, "You do not have because you do not ask God" (James 4:2)

During Jesus time, there was a general belief that God loved rich people more than he loved poor people - you knew that because they were rich! So if you wanted more riches, all you had to do was love God more, and then he would love you more, and pour out riches into your lap. Everything you touched would turn to gold!

Of course, that is far from the truth. Jesus honoured the widow with a couple of pennies who threw them into the offering much more than he did the sanctimonious Pharisees.

You won't get rich by becoming a Christian, or by donating to the church, or a parachurch ministry, or anything else. "Godliness" is not the magic key to prosperity.

But living according to the principles and truths of Scripture will - over time.

What we've seen is what Carl George refers to as "Redemption and lift." What sociologists have learned is that when someone becomes a Christ-follower, they become more diligent in the actions and attitudes which bring a smile to God's face. Sometimes, that means more stable marriages, family lives, jobs, addictions under control, and a greater investment in the life qualities which lead to advancement in every area of life. Your salvation may lead to your children going to better schools, getting better jobs, marrying people from better families, and overall the redemption of one can lead to the lifting of the family for generations to come.

Gaining generational wealth isn't a reason to become godly. But it is an additional benefit that comes with godly living.

Remember these words of Jesus:

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matt. 6:1-4)

Are you seeking financial and other gains this side of heaven? Then that's all you get.

Instead, "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:20-21)

That's an investment worth making!