Disciples Master Money to Serve God, Devoting Resources to His Cause
Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
~ Jesus
No mincing of words; no dancing around the subject. Jesus is clear: "You cannot serve both God and money". Both seek your devotion. Cain, the first murderer, was told by God: "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it" (Genesis 4:7).
Sin mastered him. Does money have such a grip on you?
Though money is not evil, the oft-misquoted biblical warning is true: "Love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10 – see it in the image to the right?). But money is a great asset when managed well in love for God and mastered for use in His Kingdom. Many like to think they would do greater good for God with greater financial resources.
Maybe so.
Regardless of how much money we have access to now, practice faithfulness now. Then, in God’s time, another of His teachings may well take its course: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10).
Prayer for the Week
Lord Jesus Christ, I want to do good and be faithful with my financial resources. Better yet, I want to be a good and faithful servant – even child – who desires to share in Your happiness – using all things. Amen.
Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 139:19-24
- If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! - They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name. - Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and
abhor those who are in rebellion against you? - I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies. - Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts. - See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation Pondering Point
When the Psalmist calls for God to "slay the wicked", he clearly sees himself as not in their camp, but rather opposed to them. He sees himself in God’s camp, those who pursue the righteous ways of God? What are you pursuing?