USE OF MONEY VERSUS ETERNAL LIFE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY MAY 05, 3021.

SUBJECT : USE OF MONEY VERSUS ETERNAL LIFE! 

Memory verse: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6 vs 24.)

READ: Luke 16 vs 9 - 12:

16:9: And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.

16:10: He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust in much.

16:11: Therefore if you have not been faithful in unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

16:12: And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?

 

INTIMATION:

I know that money is a sore subject that a lot of people want to avoid, but in my considered opinion, learning how God views money and material possessions is basic Christianity. The importance of this subject is reflected in how much the Bible teaches about it. The Bible has more to say about money and material possessions than most Bible doctrines; like heaven and hell or faith and prayer. The influence of money in our lives is very real, so it isn't surprising that Jesus taught more on the subject than any other single topic. In fact one quarter of Jesus' teachings is based on this.

The resources God gives us should be used to do His work and carry out His will, but too often we use them to satisfy our own desires. When we abuse God’s gifts or use resources selfishly, we miss the real purpose God had in mind. This is as shortsighted as idolatry. God’s people should not live for money, because money will be worthless in eternity. And they should keep on guard constantly against greed, a sin that is always ready to take over their lives. God wants us to work and to provide for our families, and He commands the proper use of money. But when the desire for money fills our lives, it becomes a false god. Don’t be enslaved by the desire for wealth. 

Money seen as an end in itself quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy. The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can use for God’s purposes, not how much we can accumulate for ourselves. Does God’s love touch your wallet? Does your money free you to help others? If so you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven. If your financial goals and possessions hinder you from giving generously, loving others, or serving God, sell what you must to bring your life into line with His purposes.

Let us look at what Jesus said in the passage we read today. Jesus used money, and people's attitude towards money to reveal their hearts. Our integrity often meets its match in money matters. God calls us to be honest, even in small details we could easily rationalize away. Heaven's riches are far more valuable than earthly wealth. But if we are not trustworthy with our money here (no matter how much or little we have), we will be unfit to handle the vast riches of God's kingdom.

If one cannot be trusted with the correct use of material things, he cannot be trusted to do right if entrusted with the care of the flock of God. Therefore, one’s correct use of material things determine one’s right to eternal life. A man’s faithfulness is measured by what he does with what he has. 

Prayer: Abba Father, All things are Yours. I cannot receive anything by my abilities unless You give. Help me to serve You with total obedience, and be an effective steward in all You give me, especially in the money You entrusted to my care, in Jesus' Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!