It's not uncommon to see leaders of the world's nations scurrying about, desperately trying to find answers to their countries' financial problems. Newspaper articles, radio and TV shows and Internet bloggers consume huge blocks of time speculating and advising us about money--how to keep it, why we're losing it, where to find it and whom to bail out. Fear often grips governments, industry and individuals.
As a Christian, you must be careful not to get caught up in the world's worries about money. Oh, of course, you are to be a good steward of all that God provides; and you are responsible to care for your family's needs. But you also need to avoid any attitude toward money that would cause you to spiral down into the world's way of thinking. God is still on the throne. He knows your needs and has much to say about trust and money.
Receive
Have you thought seriously about Jesus' warning in Matthew 6:24 (ESV)? "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
Why did He say that? Is it a sin to earn an honest living? Didn't Jesus Himself use money to pay taxes and buy groceries? Didn't the disciples have a money bag and a treasurer? When Jesus sent the disciples forth a second time, didn't He tell them they would need money (Luke 22:35-36)?
Now, read a few verses and jot down your answers to the questions:
- 1 Timothy 6:10. What two results of loving money does the apostle Paul mention in this verse?
- Hebrews 13:5. What does God want to see in your life instead of the love of money?
- Matthew 13:22. In the parable of the sower, what does Jesus say about how an obsession with wealth can affect your relation to God's Word?
- Deuteronomy 8:17-18. If God does bless you with wealth in this life, what should be your proper attitude toward it?
Jesus never claimed that money is evil. But He did teach that the love of money will get you into deep trouble and draw you away from God (1 Timothy 6:10).
Satan, the Prince of this world, runs his domain on money. It will all come to sudden ruin one day. God, on the other hand, operates His kingdom in the power and provision of the Spirit of God. His Kingdom is eternal and will never fade away. While you are in this life, you are, in a sense, caught between the two worlds of God's everlasting kingdom and Satan's doomed realm. You need some money and material things to live and to support God's work on this earth, but you must constantly be on guard against trusting in the things that will ultimately rot and rust.
Today, read Revelation 18:1-24. It describes the sudden destruction of Satan's economic and financial system in the final hours of this old earth. As you read, compare today's godless worldview and ask yourself, Is this something I want to be part of? Am I getting entangled with the love of money?
Respond
Take time to review your own attitudes toward money. Is money at the center of your purpose in life and your career? Are there changes you need to make that will bring you more into line with God's teaching about wealth?
Reflect on Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Then memorize it!
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