I remember reading about a family in Charleston, NC who were the winners of what was at that time, the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. Sometime after they had won the $314.9 million ticket that thrust their family into the public spot light, the wife told reporters, “We’ve had so much trouble because of this lottery. I wish all of this never would have happened. I wish I would have torn the ticket up.”
There is nothing wrong with having money, but we must make sure that money doesn’t have us. We need a biblical perspective.
The Bible has a lot to say about materialism, possessions, and money. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:10 – “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.”
It’s estimated that roughly 15% of everything Jesus said in the Gospels relates to the topic of money and possessions. That is more than his teaching on Heaven and Hell combined. Why? Because there is a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle money.
Let me say it again – “There is a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle money.”
Listen to James 1:9-11 – “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.”
We learn here that net worth does not equal personal worth. James calls for the poor to recognize that though he is poor in earthly wealth, he is valued by God. He reminds the rich to live with humility because they should realize it is all temporary and insignificant from the perspective of eternity.
There is a temptation to look upon those with money, and measure their personal worth accordingly. This is not how we as christians determine a person’s value.
We also learn in these verses that money does not equal security. James said just like the flower fades a rich man can fade away too. We cannot put our hope and trust in money. Jesus said in Matthew 16:26 - “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” No amount of money can bring us to a right standing with God.
So what is a biblical perspective concerning money? There is much we could talk about, but let me give you three things quickly.
•Trust God to supply your needs
Philippians 4:19 – “my God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
•Be content in all circumstances
Philippians 4:12-13 – “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
•Show compassion and generosity
1 John 3:17 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has not pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”
Today’s Challenge: If you are like me, it’s easy to think you are not impacted in a negative way by money or possessions, but today let’s ask God to search our hearts. Let’s listen for his voice. Let God speak to you about money. He may want to speak to you about your emotions, the trust you put in money, how money is controlling you, your lack of generosity, or any number of things. Today let’s seek to develop a biblical perspective of money.
