It is insidious that the very positive impact that Christianity can have on a person can also cause one to implode in their spiritual life. This is true of individuals and of nations. John Wesley left a sober warning July 2, 1789: "Christianity, true Scriptural Christianity, has a tendency in the process of time to destroy itself. For wherever true Christianity spreads, it must cause diligence and frugality, which, in the natural course of things, must beget riches! And riches naturally beget pride, love of the world, and every temper that is destructive to Christianity. Wherever it generally prevails, it ultimately saps its own foundation."
The subtle erosion and deceptive transformation significantly impacted the second-generation of American Puritans as their children and grandchildren went after gold, glory, and God - in that order. We have seen much of the same in modern America as many families, after difficult beginnings and diligent effort led to prosperity only to be erased by self-absorbed living by the next generation lacking the moral fortitude and work ethic that provided for them so much.
This reality may account for so many warnings to Christians in the New Testament.
The apostle John exhorts his flock, “Do not love the world or the things of the world for if you love the world the love of the Father is not in you.” (I John 2:15)
The apostle Paul urges the church at Rome, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:1-2) He also tells them to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh.” (Romans 13:10)
In fact the whole correspondence of First Corinthians is meant to rebuke a powerful social class of Christians to stop being carnal in their lives inside and outside the church of Jesus. (I Corinthians 3)
I think I can say to all of you who are reading this, that we have all been given a rich heritage. And if that is true then we must always remember: “To whom much is given much is required.”
Serving Him with you Until He comes for us. Fred | 
