Steve Lyston, Contributor

THERE ARE many in the society who have solutions, and who are willing to speak the truth, so that justice and equity can prevail.

But because they lack the financial support, they are held down by those with the financial leverage and a lack of wisdom and understanding.

Ecclesiastes 10:9 says, "A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry, but money answereth all things." This scripture tells us that money is not a bad thing, but the love of it, according to 1 Timothy 6:6-10, which includes your motives, your priorities, your total focus and your daily decision-making - whether to execute evil to get money or what you do with it when you get it, is in fact the root of all evil.

The effectiveness and success of great past and present leaders on the society was as a result of the fact that they became masters of money - money did not become their master! Regardless of the reforms that we implement in a nation, the only way for them to work and cause real change to come is for the leaders within the nation and its varying sectors to overcome greed and not be swept away by the love of money!

For those in authority or aspiring to positions of authority, once you are overtaken by the love of money, then there will a waste of resources increase in crime, violence and corruption, serious downturn in the economy and the erosion of core values. The love of money is lucrative but deadly!

Most of the decisions made in the nation, including laws to be implemented, are based on the love of money.

The repercussions

According to James 5, for the love of money:

• Many people are killed! Many die because they cannot afford medical assistance.
• Many lose their property and other assets.
• Families are destroyed.
• People undergo serious oppression and mental strain.
• People are denied sound educational opportunities.
• Honest workers are 'short-paid' - robbed of an honest day's pay.
• Children go hungry and many are left to the mercy of the streets and the atmosphere.
• Conspiracies and betrayals increase.
• Many in the church have become ineffective.
• People refuse the truth and turn a blind eye to it.
• Contracts are issued.
• Divestment of assets.

Price gouging, hidden fees and tax hikes are the result of the love of money! Most decisions that are made are based on financial turnover, ability to repay and return on investment! Assets that could have been saved and benefit the nation have been divested, because of the love of money! You need to ask yourself this question, 'Are you in the business that you are, because of the love of money?'

Inevitably, the love of money causes people to make wrong connections and decisions.

Solutions

Money and wealth should be used to the glory of God and with proper regard for the needs of others (Galatians 6:10). Giving is a key to proving that we have conquered greed. Help someone today with school fees, medical bills and feed the poor! You will no doubt receive benefits that money cannot buy. (Psalm 41)

Make a business decision today with mercy and compassion and not instigated by the love of money and watch the benefits that you will receive.

Ensure that the love of money does not deny you the pleasures and rewards of life after death. (1 Timothy 6:17-21) Each time you are going to make a business decision, evaluate yourself and see if it is all about the money. Check to see if you have made any decisions in the past that have caused hurt or bitterness, because of the love of money, and if you have, make amends and see your reward. It is never too late to make amends!

Finally, Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire'.