What is the danger in having extra Resources?

Read Hosea 10.

Israel enjoyed prosperity and the blessings of the LORD.  What happened next brought their downfall.

Proverbs 30:8-10 provides the warning.  "Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God."

When things were going well in the nation, the leaders and the people relaxed their spiritual commitments.  They mistook financial prosperity to mean they could live however they wished.  Some of their wealth was used to build altars to false gods.  After a while they no longer felt any obligation nor need for the LORD.  The rebelliousness of their hearts and independent spirits led them to reject all authority and accountability over them.  "We have no king, for we do not fear the LORD; and a king--what could he do for us?" (v.3)

The natural law of sowing and reaping came upon them (vv.12-13).  Sowing sin always produces a crop of hurt and loss.  God called them to practice righteousness in their lives and show Him steadfast love in their worship.  Through the prophets, God implored them, "it is time to seek the LORD."  But they refused to listen.  Judgment was on its way (vv.14-15).

This is a good reminder why we are blessed.  Scripture is clear on God's expectations of our use of money.  The first tenth belongs to Him.  "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;" (Proverbs 3:9).  After that, the LORD provides for our needs and, perhaps, some extra to enjoy.  But we should be asking what more God wants us to do in generosity.

The Apostle Paul wrote: "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19)