Poetry With A Mission



...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

A Personal View

“… give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,
least I be full, and deny Thee, and say, “Who is the Lord?”…” (Prov 30:8,9, RSV).

“There’s nothing wrong with money, it’s how it’s used,” many say,
Well, I’m not sure they’re right, so I will explain, if I may.
The Scriptures haven’t got one good thing to say about money,
Unlike some, whose love for it rolls off their lips like honey.

Many texts that mention “wealth” are misinterpreted by some,
Hence, to the wrong conclusion they inevitably come.
Where “wealth” is used in Scripture, it very often doesn’t mean
Literally possessions — this, we soon from research glean.

To me, money seems to be just a product of the Fall;
I wouldn’t think that Eden used such currency at all.
I doubt it has God’s blessing, though I’ve seen Him take what’s bad
And somehow bring good from it, and for that I’m truly glad.

Where it’s used to help others, a blessing money may be,
But in and of itself — that it’s good — you won’t convince me.
I believe it’s a curse — perhaps an evil necessity,
That’s mostly used destructively, or unconstructively.

Many Christians spend money on what they can’t justify,
However, justifying such wrong, they certainly try.
I’m sure the Gospel suffers due to this money misspent,
And that others suffer too, who such wastage must lament.

Much we view as good today is a product of the Fall;
We’ve been so long in Egypt, that less ceases to appall.
We think wealth is a blessing, that money’s some sort of gift,
When perhaps this well might show just how much we are adrift.

Some falsely think that the evidence of God’s blessing on them is,
A car, house, wealth, etc, but such folk I’d like to quiz.
For if such is so, are drug lords and casino owners blessed?
I don’t think so — for with them — God would hardly be impressed.

No, such evidence is flawed, for there’s wealthy evil folk,
Who are enjoying good health while in decadence they soak.
Conversely, there’re Christians who’re loving, faithful and true,
Who’re poor, and/or have ill health — even treated badly too.

Yes, I suspect that money is fallen man’s invention,
And not something that was God’s original intention,
That it was not in Eden, and in Heaven’s absent too;
Just something fallen humans manufacture and pursue.

However, if you’re wealthy, here’s some sound advice for you,
Share most of it with others, for that’s just what Christ would do.
Keep a little for yourself, as is needed, as is wise,
And each and every morning much happier you’ll arise.

By Lance Landall


“But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless
and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of
money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for
you, man of God, shun all this...” (1 Tim 6:9-11). Note also Luke 6:24; Mark 4:19.

“ ‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort’ ”
(Luke 6:24, NIV).