It's not about the Benjamins

In Matthew 6:19, Jesus wrote, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

When we consume ourselves with gathering things, our heart is taken over by an idol, money. God always gives us what we need. Many believe that “he who has the most toys wins.” We cannot serve money and God. Money influences many bad decisions. We often hear of the one who wins the lottery only to wish they never had it later because it ruins their life. If we live a moderate life, we are so much happier. Coveting destroys us. We see what others have and want more. We compare ourselves to our friends who are always traveling here and there. It is one issue that causes this is a lapse, break, or superficial relationship with Christ. Trust me, in my younger days; I experienced this. We try to buy our happiness, and we cannot. Johnny Depp said money can't buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht to drive you right up to it. We hear of those who have money, cars, and fame yet are still unhappy. They are missing Christ.

Are you the Rich Fool

Christ told us the parable of the rich fool. “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ (Luke 12:16-29 ESV).

Death and Taxes

We cannot take it with us. Many work and work only to retire, and shortly after retiring, they die. They did not enjoy the life God had given them. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” We also read about the dangers of the desire for money written by the writer of Hebrews, who wrote, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Money is here today and gone tomorrow only the love of God is endless and timeless. In Luke, Jesus told us yet again, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15 ESV). It is pretty apparent Jesus warns us about gathering money and other things. It is tough to have faith when the economy is so bad. Prices for everything are outrageous. We wonder if we can get food or gas or keep a roof over our heads. But God provides. God always provides, everything we need if we only have faith. There have been many difficult times when I was unsure how to pay a bill, only to go out to the mailbox and find a $300 check that was unexpected. I know God will provide.

Live for Christ; He Died for You

Live a good life in the service of the Lord, and He will bless you. Do not covet, and He will provide all you need. Jesus told us, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34 ESV). Live a Christ-centered life. Reflect on Jesus in all that you do. The love you share will return to you tenfold. One little act of kindness can change someone’s life forever. Be a life changer.