At a very young age our flesh’s desire to acquire is encouraged and if we are like most, we set goals to step up our game and get some really cool stuff; a car, house, entertainment system, laptop, etc. So is money evil?
Scripture teaches us that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Many believers in the Bible had significant wealth including Abraham, Solomon, and Job to name a few. While they had wealth, there hearts still feared the LORD and He was their first love. So wealth is not the issue, it’s where our love and affections are placed that determine our relationship with it. It is possible to be wealthy and have a great relationship with the LORD.
I heard it once said that we have mind viruses – Ideas that find their way in our heads and do damage. Here are a few when it comes to money:
- Money is the root of all evil
- It’s better to be poor
- It’s more noble to be poor
The problem with these statements is that they are fragments of scripture and thereby destroy truth. Often times our affections are tested. Who or what do we love more God or money? Notice it’s not the money that’s evil. It’s our affections and our heart that is being tested. It’s the love of money that destroys. It’s better to be poor if we had to choose between wealth or God. It’s more noble to be poor only if it means we would ruin or first love.
I have heard and agree that money makes a good steward more effective and a bad steward even worse. It really just amplifies your affections. Don’t be held captive by the mind viruses above and at the same time, make sure that your affections are for the LORD. A lover of the LORD will do great things with all he has been given while a lover of self will squander what he has been given and not even be able to help himself for the better.
Personal Reflection
What views of money do you hold that may fall into the category of mind virus or non biblical view. If money is an amplifier, what would it look like in your life if you made an extra $2000, $4000, or $10000 per month. Confess, if need be your lack of good stewardship, incorrectly placed affections, and possibly pride. Ask God to help you have an appropriate view of wealth and a vision to use it for His kingdom and purposes.
Prayer Focus
Father God, we acknowledge that you own it all, cattle on a thousand hills and our wallets we carry today. May our affections and fears be rightly placed in you. Teach us to be good stewards and increase our responsibilities that we may have more of an impact for you. At the same time may we always find contentment where you have us. You are the great provider and we trust in you. In the Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen!
@brianfriedl
#mindviruses #hearttesting #truthtalk4life