Money’s Distraction

It is easy for money to become a distraction. Just the making and management of money takes effort and focus. Indeed, money becomes a subtle master if it is not held in check. Our affections gravitate toward what we think about. If the majority of our waking moments are consumed by the thought of making more money, then we are distracted from God Almighty.

Yes, we need to do our work with excellence as unto the Lord. However, if making money becomes our consuming focus, then its devotion competes with God. Billions of people wake up every day to make money, but are they making money or is money making them? If my life is consumed by money, very little is left for a life well spent.

“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).

Time and energy for others becomes scarce in the wake of compulsive money making. You may think that your current obsession with making money is for the long-term purpose of independent living. But this is flawed thinking, because a follower of Jesus Christ is never totally independent—they are tethered by trust to the will of God. There is a built-in eternal expectation to community and Christ that results in accountability and service.

Yes, finances can afford you options, but only consider options that are under the purview of God’s will. A life of unshackled leisure and self-indulgence is not a life well spent for the Lord. He may free you up to serve Him and others, but not to sit in total leisure. Too many options can be a distraction. So, where is the balance? How can you avoid money’s distraction?

Stay close to Christ and let Him love on you. He will love you away from money’s allurement and into eternal heavenly investments. Let Him love you away from the seduction of possessions. Then you will want to reciprocate this love to your lover, God. If your love quotients are met by stuff, then your affections will gravitate to the moneymaking mistress.

When you allow money to love on you, you feel a debt to materialism. Then your emotions and energies feel obligated to love back. An affair with money and possessions leaves nothing for the lover of your soul. And, without an intense love relationship with your Creator, you will become sad and dissatisfied. But loving God satisfies the soul.

Fortunately, there is a solution to money’s distraction. Let God love you—then you are compelled to love Him. Money’s distraction is derailed by a love relationship with Jesus. When you love Him wholeheartedly, there is no room for money to distract. Then give generously to whom He loves, especially the poor. Generous givers love God and not money. Eternal rewards await those who send ahead—what they cannot keep.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:19-21, NLT).

How can I use money as an expression of my love for the Lord and people?

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 15:10; Job 22:23-25; Luke 11:41; 1 Timothy 3:3;

Additional Resource: Learn about the new Kindle version of Infusion… click here: http://amzn.to/dRobnw

Additional Resource: Enjoy this 3-part Easter video interview with Pastor Johnny Hunt… click here: http://bit.ly/f7q80S

Additional Resource: Friday, April 22nd 12:00 p.m. EST we will be hosting a LIVE Q & A session on Facebook with Boyd Bailey… click here: http://on.fb.me/fl3n1z

Support Wisdom Hunters: Learn how you can help us reach other Wisdom Hunters with your monthly donation… click here: http://wisdomhunters.com/support-wh/