The soldiers likewise demanded of Him, saying, And what shall we do? And He said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. Luke 3:14.
The selfish, money-loving man lives only to secure for himself the riches, honors, and pleasures of this world. He loses the eternal world from his reckoning.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 101.
If men love their riches better than they love their fellowmen, better than they love God or the truths of His word, if their hearts are on their riches, they cannot have eternal life.... Like the young man in the Bible, many go away sorrowful because they cannot have their riches and a treasure in Heaven too. They cannot have both; and they venture to risk their chance of eternal life for a worldly possession....
The love of Jesus and of riches cannot dwell in the same heart. The love of God so far surpasses the love of riches that the possessor breaks away from his riches and transfers his affections to God. Through love he is then led to minister to the wants of God’s cause. It is his highest pleasure to make a right disposition of his Lord’s goods.—Testimonies for the Church 1:172.
From Radiant Religion - Page 136
Radiant Religion
Thought for the Day
In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not that which the world accounts greatness; not wealth, or rank, or noble descent, or intellectual gifts, in themselves considered. If intellectual greatness, apart from any higher consideration, is worthy of honor, then our homage is due to Satan, whose intellectual power no man has ever equaled. But when perverted to self-serving, the greater the gift, the greater curse it becomes. It is moral worth that God values. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most.... Unselfish joy in the ministry of Christ presents the highest type of nobility ever revealed in man. Desire of Ages, p. 219