But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
Money is good! Pursuing money is not evil, but money as the only pursuit leads one astray. The currencies of this life are temporary, yet even Jesus said they could be converted into eternal purposes. Money, when used for eternal purposes, is godly steward- ship. Money can be a powerful weapon when stewarded for God’s purposes in the fight against the kingdom of darkness. Don’t ever let anyone shame you for your success or level of financial prosperity. Instead, turn your thoughts of money toward stewarding your resources for God’s purposes. It’s okay to handsomely provide for yourself, too, if your work warrants it. Even David was conscious of a reward when he asked, “What will be done for the man who kills this Goliath?”
Many people are compensated through salary and bonuses. Their job is to serve employees and customers, generate revenue for their company, and earn a well-deserved income for their families—the worker is worthy of his wages. It is NOT a sin to pursue prosperity or provision—there is a reward system in the heavenly realm and earthly realm. While salvation is free, rewards are earned. However, putting the pursuit of prosperity above God’s purposes will lead one astray. Consider a heavenly vs. worldly mindset toward money:
SAINT’S VIEW OF MONEY
• Trusts in God
• Focused on earning and providing
• Uses money to fulfill assignments
• Invests money for eternal purposes
• Receives money and rejoices
SINFUL VIEW OF MONEY
• Trusts in wealth
• Focused on accumulating and keeping
• Uses money to attain security
• Protects for personal purposes
• Receives money but can’t enjoy it
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- What is your opinion on the use of money for worldly vs. heavenly purposes?
- Who in your universe uses money in a way that represents godly stewardship?
- Do you believe today’s topic should focus more on an “amount” of money or the “use” of money?
God doesn’t mind buttering your bread with “more than enough”—God loves to see you do well.
