Our week 43 verse is found in Luke 16. If that chapter doesn’t seem terribly familiar to you, I’m not surprised. For starters, it’s actually a pretty confusing read! In fact, I read Luke 16:1-15 multiple times in the last week and I’m still not sure that I’ve got it fully sorted. (Especially verse 8!? Somebody send me a killer analysis or sermon on this!)
Another reason this may not be one of the most frequently cited passages is because the topic of money often makes people uncomfortable. And wealth and worldly possessions are written about multiple times in this chapter, and throughout the book of Luke.
So here’s the deal: I’ve observed that many people – and especially Christians — have negative feelings or thoughts about those with wealth. It’s often associated with being spoiled, snobby, or even un-Christ like. (YIKES!) I’ve also heard the phrase “Money is the root of all evil.”
But that ISN’T what the Bible says! 1 Timothy 6:10 says “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.” Satan has done a pretty good job twisting God’s word to give Christians a negative mindset towards wealth.
The reality is that money can be used as a blessing! It’s needed! Our churches, ministries, communities and families all require money. Think of all the amazing things that can only be done for the Kingdom when God’s people are blessed with wealth and use it for His purposes!
This week take time to focus on your money mindset. Do you have bad feelings toward money? Is your drive to build wealth based on selfish reasons or are you focused on building wealth to fulfill God’s purpose for your life? Or do you actually avoid wealth altogether – consciously or subconsciously – afraid of being ensnared? Are you taking care of the blessings you currently have? If not, then why would you expect God to trust you with more than you have now? Like our verse this week says, you can’t serve two masters. You need to have clarity on your approach to money and wealth and what role it plays in your life.
This week tell me what your focus is on. I’d love to know if the Lord revealed anything to you while reading in the book of Luke!
Know you are loved,
