The Money Pit

The Money Pit

Good Morning Friends,

If the role of the Christian is to become more like Jesus we need to be strategic about our work within the context of relationships. For at the heart of the great commission is discipleship and at the heart of discipleship is not evangelism but relationships that honor God and also honor the poor. Friends, it is here we discover in life and mission that there is a trap in using money as power. Worlds must be strategically connected for if they are not there is a danger of falling into The Money Pit.

Scripture: Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?

James 2:5 (NRSV)

Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment;  for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it;  but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

1 Timothy 6:6-10
(NRSV)

Message: In today’s scripture James compels us to acknowledge the role of money as value, but also the important role of the poor in helping us to not be trapped by materialism. James cautions that money has the power to endanger one’s spiritual direction. The reality is that wealth can be very destructive. Money has the power to do great good but should come with a warning label as to its possible misuse. The greater the wealth we hold, the greater the danger we face. It is as Paul said to Timothy. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” Catholic theologian Thomas Merton has commented, “Money has demonically usurped the role in modern society which the Holy Spirit is to have in the Church.” Friends we are in jeopardy if we fail to address the power of wealth and if we fail to harness that power. As doers of the Word, we must take seriously James’ admonition to avoid misusing economic power to exploit others. We must make every effort to fulfil the law of love.

Pray we realize the glory in ordinary things. Pray we receive the life that is found only in Christ Jesus. Pray we are not just hearers of the Word but doers. Pray we do not misuse economic power to exploit others. Pray we realize that embracing materialism promotes discontent and that by rejecting materialism it might even promote godliness. Pray we do not look down on those who have less money. Pray we do not base our hopes on riches. Pray we become rich in godly deeds.

Blessings,

John Lawson