Money Morals
Anytime money is brought up we can tend to get a little uncomfortable, and even offended sometimes. We've all been there, right? Never let God's words harden your heart, but allow it to set you free. (Matthew 13:15) In the last two blogs we talked about using what God have given us. He expects us to have the same attitude when it comes to our money. It's important that we use our money wisely, and that we aren't wasteful or selfish. What you do with your money is your business, it's one of those personal things, but we must remember were it comes from. Everything we have belongs to & comes from God. (James 1:17 ; 1 Cor 12:1-11) Luke 16:1-18 tells The Parable of the Shrewd Manager. (practical hardheaded intelligence) Here we learn at least 3 things: (1) Our money belongs to God. (2) Money can be used for good or evil. (3) Money has a lot of power. Look at the measures the manager went just to keep his job; for the love of money. If we are not careful it can lead us to living a corrupt life as well. However, when you obey the will of God, living a righteous life will follow seamlessly; but the moment we disobey God it opens up the door for sin.
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Just like point three said, money can be very powerful. As some put it, "Money is the root of all evil." 1 Timothy 6:10 said it even better.
"For the love of money is a root of ALL kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
Having money isn't the problem, what you do with it determines that. The rich man in The Parable of the Rich Man and the Beggar lived a life of luxury while Lazarus starved right outside his gate. He had a really good life and didn't help those in need when he had the chance. (Luke 16:19) But oh how the tables turned when he died and went to hell while Lazarus was with Abraham in heaven. (Luke 16:23) I really hope you read this chapter because it got really good!!! The rich man ended up begging and pleading for remorse, but he had to suffer the consequences of his selfish ways. Lazarus however didn't have to hunger or thirst any longer. (Luke 16:25) Notice how all the riches the rich man had was left behind. The "security" of money on earth has no value in the after life, heavens riches are far more valuable. These verses really humbled me, because sometimes I can be selfish- even with the most simple things! (Luke 16:15) Don't let your selfish ways earn you a spot in hell. These verses also inspire me to be thankful for what I have, even when it doesn't feel like enough. There is always someone worse off than you, consider that person the next time you worry about something.
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Luke 16:10, a very popular verse, is a prime example of how God pays attention to how we use our resources. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much-" I believe that God watches to see how we manage "little", just to see if we can handle "much". We pray for more money, more opportunities, more success, but we aren't trustworthy with the portion we have now. God wants trustworthy servants that can be productive with what they are given. Take a look at how you manage your current portion and ask yourself can I be trusted with more.
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- Realize that one day riches will all be gone.
- Be content with what you have.
- Monitor what you are willing to do to get more money. (That's GOOD)
- Love God's work and others more than money.
- Freely share what you have with others.