My mom told us a story long ago about a man who used Vespa motorcycle. Back in the days, Vespa motorcycle was for the big boys though they were not the biggest boys in town. This man was relatively comfortable and was a member of a living church.

He became active in church Sunday school department and was a committed tither. As I was told, his tithe was the biggest in the church at that time. Even his pastors expected his tithe one way or the other because that was where their stipends were paid from.

After a while, he became so proud even to the extent where he told the church that Sunday school reviews should be done in his house. He refused to join other brethren in church for sunday school preparatory meetings. The pastor refused him his demand so he left the church in anger.

The church suffered some financial setbacks and payment of salaries became an issue. They prayed and sought God's face. One day, a man drove a peugeot car into the church compound and joined the church. He was a senior naval officer who had just been posted to town. He joined the church and he became of greater benefit to the church than the previous man.

Paul's first warning to the rich is that they should not be proud or high minded. There is a tendency for the rich to avoid the low class or treat them anyhow. I heard a rich preacher saying the Holy Spirit told him not to associate with the poor. He claimed to have heard that clearly from the Holy Spirit. That is not the Holy Spirit I know. That is the spirit of pride and mammon talking.

If the possession of money and the things of this world takes that Christian simplicity, meekness and brotherly love away from you and you look down on others because of earthly possession, pride has taken its seat in your heart.

Oftentimes, money is not the problem. Money on its own is a neutral entity that has no character of its own. It only takes on the character of its owner. If the possessor of money is a proud man, his pride will be evident. That is why it is good for monetary blessing to meet a good character.

When humility is not in place, money in the hands of a proud man becomes a tool of oppression.