From time immemorial wealth is at the heart of human pride and power. On the other hand it is also the most tangible and objective way of assessing where you are today and where you will be tomorrow from point of view of this world. It is easy to give up a vice. It is easy to give small amounts to charity. It is easy to do acts of kindness and feel good. But none of these are acts of belief. They are mere acts of your self-righteousness, your strength and often satisfying your pride.
To be honest I still worry a lot, often around finances for two reasons. The first obvious reason -Do we have enough for the rainy day. Do we have enough to get the kids through…there is never an end to why we need it. But the second, more troubling, being the thought of enslavement to it. You treasuring it for your security even if it is only a small amount. I can confirm both the above are true as much as I want to say no to both. And both seem to have gotten worse with the more ‘total wealth’ I possess.
The question is not what is the right amount you should have so as to not feel guilty. It is,about not treasuring it above God as the surety/security of your sustenance and survival in this world, in peace.
Our only way out is to seek His wisdom and His Love and His forgiveness, to redeem us of this sin that stems from Unbelief. Unless we ‘truly treasure’ Christ above all things we are going to be a slave to this world, in this matter at-least. And freedom for this can only happen through faith by grace from Him.
And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.For the world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Luke 12: 32-34
God commands us not to fear about money- Don’t be anxious! Do not ask what YOU need- TRUST he knows your need and he will provide.
When you are not anxious, you worship God and magnify Him as below:
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- As our shepherd- the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want
- I treasure God as my Father (provider)- who gives me all things
- Treasure Him as the King who gives you the Kingdom (of Heaven)
- We magnify Him in his generous GIVING…He gives freely..not in exchange for your work or for return payments
- We magnify his gladness in giving (His Peace,Love and His joy)
Can we truly believe that ‘His Grace is Sufficient’. I pray God to give us the wisdom to indeed believe and trust in that.
