Jesus and Money
Jesus had more to say about money than almost any other topic
Jesus had more to say about money than almost any other topic. Someone has noted that:
· Out of the 38 parables Jesus told 16 had to do with money and possessions
· 1 out of 10 verses in the Gospels deals directly with the subject of money
· The Bible offers about 500 verses about prayer, 500 about faith, and 2,000 about money
This might spark the attention of investors, I mean, if you can get some advice from the Son of God about what to do with your money … you could get rich quick! Surprisingly, that’s exactly how Jesus wants it to happen! “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” he advises (Luke 12:34). Since the treasures of this world rot or rust or decay or depreciate, Jesus reminds us that we’re better off investing in treasures with much more stability. Heavenly treasures like the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, prayer, and actively hearing and learning the Bible. Already earned by our Savior. Available to those who want them.
Oh, if we only spent as much time and effort pursuing these heavenly treasures as we do a paycheck or profitable return. The attraction of money’s power here and now to give us control, freedom, status or security is strong indeed. So strong that it can seduce our very heart and soul into thinking that if we have enough of it we are okay. This is the spiritual force of money, and that’s primarily how Jesus saw it. Rarely did he give practical advice about saving or investing. Out of the three main money issues, 1) how did you get it (did your earn it, inherit it, or receive it as a gift or was it gained through dishonesty, cheating, or oppressing others?), 2) what are you doing with it (managing it with balance and moderation or wasting it, exploiting others with it, refusing to share it?), and 3) what is it doing to you … Jesus’ mainly concentrated on the last issue. What is your money doing to you?
Jesus didn’t condemn money and possessions. After all, he reassured his followers that the heavenly Father provides shelter, salary, and sustenance. However, Jesus strongly warned that money doesn’t solve life’s biggest problems and you can’t worship both money and God.
So count your many blessings, use them first for investing in heavenly treasures, and trust that God will always give you whatever you need just like he promises. Put your heart in the right place and you’ll be rich indeed.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, Son of our benevolent and gracious God, you have taught us that there are no greater riches than the returns on our investments of faith in you and your promises. Yet there are few things more powerful than the attraction of this earth’s riches. When that power seeks to deceptively seduce us or directly steal us call to us with your warnings of love. Reassure us that heavenly treasures are our most valuable possessions, and bring us to trust in and enjoy our daily blessings. Amen.