Don't Let Money Fool You

Good Morning!! How do we keep a spiritual perspective about money,...while living in our materialistic society? Money seems like a good thing to most of us, even spiritually speaking,...think of the potential for good. Family, friends and church, you could bless them all,...if you won this week's Mega Millions prize. But don't forget the potential for evil, or real greed. Everyone who's ever caused you harm,...suddenly you have the means within you hands, to make them truly suffer. Or maybe your first thought is for self,...a bigger house, a new car, a great vacation,...or better yet, the ability to just pack up and leave everything, and everyone, behind. The fact is; if we're not doing much good with what we have now,...it's real unlikely that we'll be able to show real generosity, because we've hit it big.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.—1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)

Often Jesus would be speaking to someone about the eternal, while they would interpret His words in the temporal. For example, when Jesus talked about the living water and the bread of life, He was speaking of spiritual elements that affect our earthly lives. But the Samaritan woman asked for the living water so she wouldn't have to return to the well, and the people asked for the bread Jesus promised because they wanted to be fed continually on earth. Paul is saying the same things in these verses above. He is trying to help us focus on eternal values by using temporal tools. Paul is saying: We should give our earthly materials generously,...and willingly for God's kingdom. By keeping a spiritual perspective on earth, we are laying for ourselves a firm foundation in the life that is to come. Paul is saying to use your money on earth for the things of God. This way, God's work will continue here, while laying a firm foundation for you in the coming age.

"Do not trust money alone to provide for your needs,...but rather, depend on God."

O' Lord, help us to have a spiritual perspective towards money the we have, and receive. Help us to be generous and willing to share. We want to lay up treasures in heaven,...and we want to trust in You, to provide for our needs on earth. Please increase our faith.

"Investing in the less fortunate, is investing in God."