Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 28, 2015
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10
My wife Rita is a saver and I am a spender. We have learned to “embrace and celebrate” our differences, but we didn’t start out with a mutual appreciation of each other’s monetary motivations. Because of her high need for security—Rita is compelled to have enough cash to live off of when we are unable to work full-time. I on the other hand—have a strong desire to enjoy life along the way so I don’t just retire, die and miss out on living life. So we systematically save, generously give and enjoy an annual anniversary trip. Money has become a servant to supporting God’s will.
Paul gives a stern warning against our affection for money replacing our affection for the Lord, our spouse and our friends. Money is an unfaithful lover that leads followers of Christ to wander from their faith. Like the euphoria of a first date—cash can create an eagerness for stuff that competes with our passion for our Savior. Indeed, love of money is like pulling the pin on a hand grenade, watching the shrapnel of stuff implode—hurting us instead of helping us. A flirtatious rendezvous with riches brings leanness to our souls. The remedy for money’s grip is generosity.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Contentment is a cornerstone for a rich and meaningful marriage. It is foundational to a growing faith in Jesus and fundamental to fidelity in a couple’s exclusive commitment to one another. If a wife and husband hitch their caboose of contentment to Christ’s train of trust, they will travel in His will. Giving, not getting cash, is the key to contentment. It’s hard to find an unhappy generous person. Saving goals are important, but giving goals are much more weighty. Plan and pray together on how to be aggressive givers. Open a NCF giving fund to accelerate your giving.
Moreover, see money as a means to an end—not an end in itself. Cash is a means to care for and empower our family—not enable their co-dependency and stunt their work motivation. Our assets are a means to further the gospel now—not to delay the advancement of God’s Kingdom with a big gift someday. Money is a means to effect change for much greater needs than to focus on our lesser wants. Yes, as we manage the Lord’s blessings well He can entrust us with more. Happy marriages learn how to love with or without money. Their cash follows Christ!
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me how to use money with a heart of contentment and generosity.
Related Readings: Joshua 7:21; Proverbs 15:27, 28:20; Matthew 6:25-33; 2 Timothy 3:2
Post/Tweet this today: A flirtatious rendezvous with riches brings leanness to our souls. #marriagemoney #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 7 minute music video- Kim Walker-Smith: I Exalt Thee
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© 2015 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Please remove me from mailing list thank you
Dear Linda,
Of course. We will do that right away.
Blessings to you and yours.
Gwynne