Making Money A Priority
Good Morning,
Many of us know people whom we admire for their financial sense. We notice various decisions that financially solvent people make or have made, and we often seek to emulate them.
There are many verses in the Bible that teach about money. Being careful with finances is a godly characteristic, but there are other truths to remember regarding finances.
Rarely do the families of wealthy people achieve what we desire. Our president has made money, but I do not want to end my life with my third wife. Elon Musk is, no doubt, smart and rich, but his family values are far from what we would want or what pleases God.
Matthew 6:24 “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
1 Timothy 6:9 “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”
vs. 10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
I have a friend who, in his later years, was as balanced a man as you could find, but in his money-making younger days, things seemed to be far different. His family was not what I would have wished for.
Many wealthy men have served God in their later years, but did not in their youth. The idea of teaching a Sunday school class or running a bus route was not a part of their world. We simply cannot focus on too many things at the same time. Consider the major areas of life: marriage, children, business, a walk with God, service in the church, care of a car and home, and some may even have a hobby or add recreation. Life is short, hours are fleeting, and rare is the man who can focus on all of these areas of responsibility (perhaps no one ever has).
Most famous preachers are well-known for one or, perhaps, two things. John Rice was known for revival and teaching on the home. Jack Hyles and Curtis Hutson focused on church building and soul winning. Tom Williams’ main focus was prayer. Exceptions of people who did well in several areas exist, but the truth is that excelling takes focused attention, and resources are limited. David had a heart for God, but failed in his home. Solomon was a great leader with much wisdom, but also failed in his home and walk with God.
Let us refocus on our subject of money; be careful not to model your lifestyle around the rich, for even if you succeed, it may not be what truly matters in life.
Work hard, spend wisely, live frugally, and give generously, but do not allow finances to rule your waking hours.
Proverbs 23:4 “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.”
Pastor