March 28, 2023
Stop Talking About Money
Jesus - “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)
DAILY DEVOTION
There are some who believe that pastors and leaders in the church should never talk about money, giving, or tithing. They do this for many reasons. Some haven’t done a good job managing their own finances so they feel embarrassed when a sermon or Bible study is shared on the subject. Others undergo conviction during sermons or lessons about giving or tithing because they have neglected to tithe or give. However, there are many who react negatively to sermons or lessons on money, giving, or tithing because of greed. These people believe that the best way for them to get rich is to not give. The problem with this philosophy is that Jesus and other teachers in the Bible frequently taught about giving.
Jesus often spoke about money, the love of money, money management, giving, and tithing. Jesus said, “You should tithe…” (Matthew 23:23). He also said, “Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full… The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38 NCV) In words that made the selfish tremble, Jesus said, “And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven.” (Luke 16:11) In Acts, Luke recalls Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 NKJV).
Even though the Bible is filled with powerful teachings about money, many people often do not want to hear or think about them because they have their own plans for their money. These people do not want to hear the following words of Jesus: “Anyone who listens to My teaching and obeys Me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27)
Greed has caused many mighty men to stumble and fall. This is not how we should live. The Apostle Paul writes, “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or GREED among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.” (Ephesians 5:3) The late Rich Mullins sang these words, “The stuff of earth competes for my allegiance. I owe only to the Giver of all good things.” Instead of being greedy and focusing on money and possessions and the “stuff of earth,” we should focus our energies on the Lord.
FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY
Do a Google search on “Jesus teaching about money.” Spend a few minutes reading through several scriptures about money, giving, and tithing. Then, pray and ask Jesus to forgive you for those times when you may have ignored these teachings. If you’re leading your family through this devotion time, lead them through the same exercise as above.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, thank You for teaching us about money in the Bible. Help us to always pay attention to everything You say in Your Word. In the name of Jesus, Amen.