Matthew 6:24-34 (New Living Translation) - “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Are you leading or following?
What is Jesus really talking about here? Money (desire for things) is as prevalent today as it was in Jesus times, maybe more so.
Money in and of itself is not bad - puts food on the table, shelter etc. Money is just a tool. How we think about money is a totally different thing.
Money gives us the illusion of control - related to original sin (no need to trust God; decide good and evil for ourselves)
PROBLEM - never enough to quench desire - we will always want more
Jesus is really about Surrender - will we surrender to Jesus and His Kingdom and His way or will I choose to be in control myself (money gives illusion of control)
Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 (The Message) - Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.
Scarcity vs Abundance
Culture is based on scarcity - No matter how much we have it is never enough or we think we could lose it all tomorrow.
Therefore we will always put our needs ahead of others and this leads to greed, vengeance (against those that threaten our comfort or security) and injustice (take advantage of others for my gain.
In Gods kingdom He provides what we need (daily bread) and He can be trusted. Gods kingdom is based on abundance - God has everything we could ever possible need and is more than willing to give it as long as it aligns with His purposes. Jesus calls us to justice, love, kindness and generosity; putting others ahead of ourselves.
Wealth is to be used to Glorify God
How do we do that?
- Take care of your basic needs (NOT everything you want)
- Support charities including the church you attend
- BE generous with your money and things
- Have a healthy mindset towards money that we are stewards NOT owners
In the end we will either serve God or money - can’t be both
Reflection
- Are you in control of your money (using it to glorify God) or is money in control of you? What is the evidence to support your answer? What would someone who knows you well say?
- How does culture (think marketing) play into a scarcity mindset? How do you counteract this?