Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 26, 2017
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11
Now that I am just around the corner from the big five-O, I have noticed things happening to me that haven’t ever happened before. For example, it’s much more difficult to lose weight than it once was. In my earlier days, staying trim was easy. Now one look at a donut sends it straight to my hips. I’ve got hair growing on my chin, and I now tease that my body and face used to wake up at the same time; now my face wakes up an hour after I get out of bed.
But I’m not just experiencing physical changes. I’m also grappling with new internal challenges. For example, using my God-given gifts to help others has always been a driving force in my journey, but now that I am getting older, another desire is right there alongside my desire to be a blessing: the desire to be secure in an unknown future. I truly never thought I would feel this way because all my life I have been the poster child for adventure. “Don’t worry about the future. God will provide!” But now I want to live more carefully and be more financially certain in the days to come.
Of course, this is a normal response to aging. But yesterday, I was convicted once again (yes, God has been hitting me over the head with this same message for months) to be careful lest I allow my fears and insecurities to cause me to foolishly chase the idol of money in an attempt to try to get my security from manna rather than rely fully on Christ.
“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” (1 Timothy 6:10).
Don’t get me wrong. Money in itself isn’t bad; it can be a huge blessing. It’s simply a tool people can use to make an impact and do God’s work. But we must be careful lest we make it our god.
As I drove to the grocery store yesterday, I thought about how I have been striving lately, trying to arrange my future, to secure it so my husband and I can eliminate the financial question marks from it, so I am confident about what’s ahead . . . and so I don’t have to fully lean on Jesus.
Then Hebrews 13:5 came to mind, “Be content with what you have.”
I know I do need to trust you, Lord, with the unknown days ahead. I have to trust you as my twilight years comes closer. Perhaps this is a midlife crisis, Lord. Chuckle.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust me” (Hebrews 13:5).
Prayer
Jesus, I know as I trust you, and see you as my Provider, that I will be able to work with the same fervor as I am working, but with an entirely different heart. . . a heart that is secure, knowing you will care for me and my family. I will be able to work in joy. Money won’t be an idol, but a gift straight from your hand. Thank you for loving me and providing, Lord. Thank you for being so faithful. Amen.”Application
Join me in my prayer to the Lord and make it your own.Related Reading
1 Timothy 6:7-8; 1 Timothy 6:6; 2 Corinthians 12:10Post/Tweet today
Cash can become an idol that competes with our devotion to Christ. #WisdomHunters #ChangeWorship Resource
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Shana,
I enjoy your writings but if you will allow me to speak in a little on this….
You wrote, “Cash can become an idol”, but according to Jesus, it is more akin to a master (Matthew 6:24). Big differences between the two. A master makes us subservient and in bondage. Idols can come and go.
As to money being a “tool to do God’s work and make an impact”, don’t believe it…that train of thought is slippery and leads into relying on our own wisdom and understanding (Prov. 3:5-7) on money, which is RARELY God’s. Christ never taught money was a tool for people, he taught it reveals what is in your heart. The ‘tool and impact’ thinking also allows people to put Him in a box on being able to speak to you about your money. You are less likely to consult with Him if you are wielding a tool and making an impact. The Holy Spirit needs real time access if He is going to direct and possible re-direct you on the fly in regards to what to do with your money (rich young ruler kinda stuff).
Money reveals the heart. God uses money to teach us about where our heart is. I wrote a little book, Jesus…Or Money. It isn’t the best written, but i believe it to be scripturally accurate. Let me know and I’ll send you a copy.
Thanks.
Parks Brown
Dear Parks,
Thank you so much for reaching out to us and please know that I will pass on your comments to Shana. You made some great points about money and I think you are so right when you said “God uses money to teach us about where our heart is”. Thank you for that much needed reminder!
Although, I must respectfully disagree with the statement “As to money being a ‘tool to do God’s work and make an impact’, don’t believe it…” I really do understand where you are coming from and you make such a good point. However, when I see the good that people do when serving others with their money (just look at the recent events where people are suffering as a result of the hurricanes)and so many other ways to serve through generous giving, it’s hard to argue that money is not a tool. And it does show a person’s heart- to your point.
Thank you Parks, for your thought-provoking comments and congratulations on your book. As I mentioned earlier, I will forward your email onto Shana.
We are so grateful for you and look forward to hearing from you again sometime.
May God continue to bless you,
Gwynne
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13