Definition and Importance
Obedience over worldly gain refers to the prioritization of following God's commandments and living according to His will, rather than pursuing material wealth, status, or personal ambition. This principle is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, where believers are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Biblical Examples
1. Abraham's Faithfulness: Abraham is a quintessential example of obedience over worldly gain. When God called him to leave his homeland and go to a land He would show him, Abraham obeyed without knowing the destination (Genesis 12:1-4). His willingness to sacrifice Isaac, his promised son, further exemplifies his obedience to God over any personal gain or understanding (Genesis 22:1-18).

2. Moses and the Israelites: Moses chose to align himself with the suffering people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in Pharaoh's palace (Hebrews 11:24-26). His leadership in guiding the Israelites out of Egypt was marked by obedience to God's commands, despite the allure of Egyptian wealth and power.

3. Daniel and His Companions: Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, demonstrated obedience over worldly gain by refusing to defile themselves with the king's food and by not bowing to the golden image, even under the threat of death (Daniel 1:8, 3:16-18). Their faithfulness resulted in God's favor and protection.

4. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of obedience over worldly gain is found in Jesus Christ, who, though He was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8). His life and sacrifice exemplify perfect obedience to the Father's will.

Teachings and Warnings
1. The Rich Young Ruler: In the encounter with the rich young ruler, Jesus highlights the difficulty of entering the kingdom of God for those who prioritize wealth over obedience. Jesus instructs him to sell all he has and follow Him, emphasizing the need to choose eternal treasures over earthly ones (Matthew 19:16-22).

2. Warnings Against Greed: The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of greed and the pursuit of wealth. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10 , Paul warns that those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

3. The Parable of the Rich Fool: Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool who stored up earthly wealth without being rich toward God. This parable serves as a warning that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15-21).

Principles for Believers
1. Seek First the Kingdom: Believers are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all necessary things will be added to them (Matthew 6:33).

2. Contentment and Trust: Christians are encouraged to be content with what they have, trusting in God's provision and care. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'"

3. Storing Treasures in Heaven: Jesus instructs His followers to store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20). This teaching underscores the eternal value of obedience and spiritual wealth over temporal, worldly gain.