Money
I have worried about it. I have been thankful for it. I miss it when it's gone. I use it when it comes. Money is a controlling force in my life. I would argue that Mrs. Kim and I have had more disagreements over money than any other issue in our marriage. We all need it to live in the world but we all fall in to the temptation of abusing control of wealth.
Jesus said that … No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (Matthew 6:24).
Christians should live with a healthy fear of the money god. It has the power to take devotion away form the living God. Most of us are not concerned with money hoarding. The problem we face is wanting the stuff that money brings. Every day we see others who have what we desire. We covet anything that will bring a moment of happiness. Money (or lack thereof) leads us to worship and lust over the worlds gifts instead of God's joy.
A way to put limits on our greed is to practice giving. A regular, sacrificial tithing of our resources acknowledges a submission to God. It is a practical of denying self and being devoted to Jesus. There are always special times of sharing our wealth. Yet, forsaking the idol of money and stuff should be habitually part of a disciple's lifestyle. Don't just give with its easy. Give with times are tight. Give with faith and trust God to provide the blessings.
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
If you want to reap real joy; then the best way to live is to give.
Matt Emerson
Taken from Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden
Jesus said that … No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (Matthew 6:24).
Christians should live with a healthy fear of the money god. It has the power to take devotion away form the living God. Most of us are not concerned with money hoarding. The problem we face is wanting the stuff that money brings. Every day we see others who have what we desire. We covet anything that will bring a moment of happiness. Money (or lack thereof) leads us to worship and lust over the worlds gifts instead of God's joy.
A way to put limits on our greed is to practice giving. A regular, sacrificial tithing of our resources acknowledges a submission to God. It is a practical of denying self and being devoted to Jesus. There are always special times of sharing our wealth. Yet, forsaking the idol of money and stuff should be habitually part of a disciple's lifestyle. Don't just give with its easy. Give with times are tight. Give with faith and trust God to provide the blessings.
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
If you want to reap real joy; then the best way to live is to give.
Matt Emerson
Taken from Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden