S - 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT): "Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life."O - Jesus has made it very clear that money will vie for our loyalty and that none of us are exempt from this often subtle but decisively critical altercation. This dynamic is not limited to the excessively wealthy. Even the poorest will be required to face this challenge on a regular basis. There really is no middle ground. We will serve money or God; ultimately we will love one and hate the other, we will cling to one and refuse the other. How do we avoid, and keep avoiding, the lure and pull of this commodity we are all required to interact with? We are told to assess at two points: pride and trust. Pride is something the Lord will resist in his love and grace is that which he will always give to the humble. Trust, fierce personal loyalty, is for the Lord alone. It is verified only under pressure when the intense and personal nature of it is more than apparent. From this internal assessment a check list is offered so we may know how we are fairing in this unavoidable contest for our loyalty.
1. Am I using my resources for good which does not directly help me?
2. Is my "account of good works" as active and large as my bank account?
3. Am I generous to those in need or restrained, skeptical and/or judgmental toward them?
4. Do I think, speak and live out the truth that all my resources and capacities are from God and not from my hard work or brilliant life strategies?
5. Am I more concerned about retaining my financial status or my personal obedience to the Lord and his leading?
6. Do I make financial decisions based on my fear of future loss or lack rather than the future of the age to come?
A - There is no virtue in poverty and no safety from this dynamic - greed and pride and self-deception are not reserved for the rich and famous. I admit that I will never be exempt from this dynamic regardless of my age or financial status (for the good or the bad). While we do not live by bread alone we do live by bread and this is why this issue is so critical to us. Jesus presents himself and his Father as the God of daily bread, not just spiritual dynamics focused exclusively on the end of life and the next life. If his Lordship and instruction do not find me in this very practical area (and keep finding me) there is serious doubt that it has actually found me anywhere in my life. The beauty of this is its very tangible nature … I know if I'm giving and living generously or if I am engaging a "stewardship" based on fear or lack or want. I choose to live and give in the generosity which is focused on him and his never ending Kingdom.
P - Lord of Daily Bread,
Thank you for calling me to yourself and to learn the ways of your kingdom. Lord, I pray against the yeast of the Pharisees (who loved money and tithed) and for the yeast of your kingdom to work into me and throughout my entire life/being. Lord, I welcome you and your promises from afar and I am believing you in this time as we pursue what I am convinced you have put in my heart. I am promising you no greed, gloat or grudge. I am living out loud the faith (fierce personal loyalty) which engages acts of obedience which must be followed by your acts. I am grateful to be doing such and thankful that you are leading us today and everyday. Dear Lord and Friend, we (Jan and me) are gratefully following.
Steve
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