It is interesting how money is such a defining reality in our lives. Our relationship with money is a key indicator of our relationship with God.
In his study Getz points to the reality that God talks more about material possessions in His word than any other subject than Himself.
Do you think it is true that most people are lovers of money?
All of the aspects of Jesus teaching are about our relationship to God, the Father. Yet the question of love for God or money is probably the most challenging for people. Do Christians lay up for themselves treasure on earth or in heaven? What about the church?
I like Hebrews 13:5. “…being content with what you have…”
Also Dt. 6:10-12 “…then watch yourself, that you do not forget the Lord…”
How do you deal with wealth in your relationship with God? Have you taken time to evaluate this area lately? Take time to consider the challenge this week.
Challenge: Consider the “Points of Action” and “Thinking and Growing Together” on pages “181-184.”
PR 30:8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
ReplyDeletegive me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
PR 30:9 Otherwise, I may have too much and
disown you and say, `Who is the LORD?'
Or I may become poor and steal, and so
dishonor the name of my God.
Laying up treasure in Heaven--I usually see that in a negative view of earthly riches "where moth and rust destroy". Maybe all the discussion of earthly riches being temporal, or unsatisfying is another symptom of the same problem? Even if the point of view is biblical, we are focused on the things of this world. Or maybe I've missed the positive messages because my own perspective was off; focused on the problem and not on God and his riches! So, what are some of the verses that point to our reward in Heaven? How do we invest there?
LK 12:32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
PR 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
PR 25:22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
MT 5:11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
MT 6:1 "Be careful not to do your `acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matt6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matt 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.