If it took a portion of your time, your energy, and your talents to earn the money you possess, then your money represents “you” in spendable form. Money certainly isn’t everything, but the lack of it can be devastating. The Bible says, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” Timothy 6:10 This Scripture is actually addressing greed. It is referring to placing a greater value on yourself and your desires than God.
What you do with your money speaks volumes about you. The highest form of idolatry is selfishness. When money is converted properly, it can feed the hungry, evangelize the world, and build an inheritance for your children’s children. Love people! Use money!
Luke 12:15
“…Beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Usually, money is thought of in terms of cash to be used in exchange for something. Let’s take it a step farther and investigate what is exchanged in terms of sacrifice…
- Consider the cost. The love of money has cost some people their freedom because it drove them into a life of crime. Others sacrifice relationships because their job leaves them no time for the people they love. If a second job or all of those overtime hours result in the loss of your health leaving you too exhausted to enjoy life, it is not worth the exchange. Have you counted the cost?
- Read the parable of the ‘Rich Fool’ in Luke 12:13-34. Keep money in perspective. Don’t overestimate its value in terms of dollars and cents. Money cannot buy the most important things in life. Don’t be deceived and sacrifice that which is eternal for that which is temporal.
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26
