This morning, I was reading Matthew 6 (loving it, if I'm totally honest!) and this entire chapter was jumping out to me in a whole new way.
Most of us know the popular verse from this chapter:
"You cannot worship God and Money both." (vs. 24, MSG)
It's not a new passage to me. When I read it, I think, of course, yeah; money is the root of all evil and stuff. So, can't have both, can we? However, this morning, my understanding of these words went so much deeper. The Holy Spirit revealed to me a brand new meaning in these lines.
We often think "worshipping money" means being a gambler, total shopaholic, avid lottery player or all those other things. Images of people going as far as killing others to get that cheddar come to mind. Now, this is the reality: we do it every day.
As a Christian, every time you dwell on the current state of your bank account, allowing it to give you sleepless nights, you worship money. Every time you trust in your ability to provide for yourself and take care of your own needs, you worship money. Every time you allow yourself to be defined by how much you earn (not how purposeful your living is), you worship money. And I, for one, am very guilty of this.
Anything (or anyone) you attach higher value, significance, attention, focus to outside of God is an idol. If that's money, then it's safe to say you've become a worshipper.
But Matthew 6 is clear: you can't have both. You have to decide to either trust God completely - whether or not you have a job; whether or not things appear hopeful; whether or not you come from a wealthy background - or live life running scared that you'll never have enough to take care of your needs and wants.
I realised something a long time ago: my life is so much better, richer (in every way), stress-free and pleasant when I focus on the Giver of all things than the gift itself. Focus on God - enjoy Him, spend time with Him, learn about Him - and everything else, including money, will follow.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
Most of us know the popular verse from this chapter:
"You cannot worship God and Money both." (vs. 24, MSG)
It's not a new passage to me. When I read it, I think, of course, yeah; money is the root of all evil and stuff. So, can't have both, can we? However, this morning, my understanding of these words went so much deeper. The Holy Spirit revealed to me a brand new meaning in these lines.
We often think "worshipping money" means being a gambler, total shopaholic, avid lottery player or all those other things. Images of people going as far as killing others to get that cheddar come to mind. Now, this is the reality: we do it every day.
As a Christian, every time you dwell on the current state of your bank account, allowing it to give you sleepless nights, you worship money. Every time you trust in your ability to provide for yourself and take care of your own needs, you worship money. Every time you allow yourself to be defined by how much you earn (not how purposeful your living is), you worship money. And I, for one, am very guilty of this.
Anything (or anyone) you attach higher value, significance, attention, focus to outside of God is an idol. If that's money, then it's safe to say you've become a worshipper.
But Matthew 6 is clear: you can't have both. You have to decide to either trust God completely - whether or not you have a job; whether or not things appear hopeful; whether or not you come from a wealthy background - or live life running scared that you'll never have enough to take care of your needs and wants.
I realised something a long time ago: my life is so much better, richer (in every way), stress-free and pleasant when I focus on the Giver of all things than the gift itself. Focus on God - enjoy Him, spend time with Him, learn about Him - and everything else, including money, will follow.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
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