| The love of money “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.'' (Matthew 6:24) | ||
| One cannot serve God and money – however, to manage both in a healthy manner is not impossible. God has nothing against one being wealthy, however the danger exists that money quickly becomes an idol and one becomes self-centered, thereby displeasing to God. Do you still put all your trust in God, when you are able to regulate everything yourself (or think you can) because of your wealth? Wealthy people who deal with their money in accordance with Biblical principles are rare. It depends (as with everything) rather on my attitude. And the Bible has a lot to say and advise on this. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:1-4 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye My joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” And accordingly one cannot serve money and simultaneously serve God. And one doesn't do this when one is stingy, indifferent, heartless, self-glorifying, boastful, self-centered and arrogant. One can certainly also do something with one's money (with the appropriate attitude) which helps others in the long-term and alleviates their distress or helps them in some way to better themselves. And God would certainly view this in a positive and commendable light. But, we must recognize the danger of money. It is not without reason that the Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” God must be in first place – and when a Christian is wealthy he will face struggles in this aspect and will also do battle with Satan. This will also be the case when one is famous and has many fans – one can also quickly allow one's fame to become one's idol and think of oneself more highly than is good (Romans 12:3). There is nothing wrong with having or acquiring money, but the question is more how one deals with it and how much values one places on it. And as a Christian, the question of how we spend our money is also important. We should not rely on money – that is the principle. And whoever has a lot of money tends to lean towards this direction or is in danger thereof. Spiritual maturity, for example, also has a lot to do with how one manages one's finances. That one has to earn money in order to provide for one's “household” (1 Timothy 5:8) is self-evident and it would be a disgrace if one doesn't do it (as far as one is able to). God also blesses our work and the labourer is worthy of his reward (1 Timothy 5:18). However, ultimately and unquestionably, we need to have the attitude that we are not blessed due to our labour, but only by God! Should we view this differently, we would be serving Mammon! What we have and receive in life, comes from God – 1 Chronicles 29:12-14 “Both riches and honour come of Thee, and Thou reignest over all; and in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.” That should be our attitude – with regard to money and how we manage our finances. It has nothing to do with rules, but with the attitude of our hearts. [mehr] Jörg Bauer | ||
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This post first appeared on Christian Devotions In The Daily-Message - English, please read the originial post: here
