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Money: Servant or Master?

Jesus said, "Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are."¹

"Money," said Sanford Lee, "is an excellent servant, but a terrible master."

A reporter once asked the elder Rockefeller, "How much money does it take to satisfy a person?"

The billionaire snapped back, "Always a little more!"

Another has said:" Money will buy the following: A bed but not sleep / Books but not brains / Food but not an appetite / Finery but not beauty / A house but not a home /  Medicine but not health / Luxuries but not culture / Amusement but not happiness / A crucifix but not a Savior."

Obviously we can't live without money and there's nothing wrong with being wealthy. The issue is, do we own our money or does our money own us, and what is our motive for wanting more money?

I've never forgotten the title of an article I read years ago that said, "What God couldn't do if only he had the money!"

Interesting point. The truth is that it takes money to do much of God's work and God's way of financing this is through the committed giving of his people. If every Christian did this and gave in proportion to what God has given him/her (or tithed as some prefer to call it), God's work on earth would be done and the entire world would be given the gospel.

We came into the world with nothing. We'll go out the same way. It's only what we invest now in the Kingdom of God that we can send ahead. As Jesus put it, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."²

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to realize the tremendous importance of investing my life, my talents, and my money in eternity and have values that are pleasing to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Luke 12:15 (TLB)(NLT).
2. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV).

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