Money, Money, Money
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; ~1 Timothy 6:17-18
All of us know that money is necessary for buying and selling. Regardless of what society we live in, we need money to sustain our ability to live and eat. We must have a right understanding concerning the application of money in our lives as Christians. This morning, we want to consider what the Bible has to say about money. This morning, we want to see why “Money Matters.”
There is the goal of money.
We must remember that the chief aim in having money is to take care of our needs. We must see money as a servant to accomplish the goal of doing good things and not as a master that controls our desires. As a servant, money feeds the hungry, clothes the poor, enables us to have comfortable homes, and sustains the work of God. The right use of money leads obedient Christians to tithe and give offerings through their local church. The right use of money helps to plant churches and support missionaries on the foreign field. Money must be our servant and not our master.
There is the grief in money.
Paul told Timothy that the love of money is the root of all evil. Money, in itself, is not evil. However, the desire and craving for money leads to covetousness and greed. Covetousness results in excessive desires that we do not need. Covetousness is idolatry. Covetousness leads to the worship of money and what money can do for us instead of how money can be a blessing. The more we desire, the more we are being controlled by these desires. The love of money can lead to excessive indulgences, immoral lifestyles, and unnecessary accumulations. The love of money will lead people to skip church, cease from praying, and consort with people who are a bad influence. In the end, the love of money leads to grief. The love of money will steal your heart from God. The love of money resulted in Judas selling Jesus out for thirty pieces of silver end eventually hanging himself. The love of money resulted in Gehazi’s disqualification from the ministry.
There is the giving in money.
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Paul charged Timothy to instruct the rich people in his congregation that though they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. The churches of Macedonia were commended for their giving spirit. They gave once and again to the needs of Paul. They gave beyond measure even as their situation was needy. We must see money as a tool for advancing the cause of Christ through the ministry of giving.
What does money do to you? Do you live just to make the buck? What are you doing with your money? Are you a faithful tither and participant in your church offerings? Have you been blessed in such a way that God is working on your heart to increase your giving? Let’s determine today to put the money God has entrusted to us to work through our faithful response and giving to the work of God!
Have a faithful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 70-73