Money—It’s a Gas!

Money, get away.
Get a good job with good pay and you’re okay.
Money, it’s a gas.
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.
New car, caviar, four star daydream,
Think I’ll buy me a football team.
(Money, Pink Floyd)

In the midst of the world’s pursuit of money, where consumerism, affluence, and a place where there is nothing for free, here comes Jordan, challenging us to think differently about money…

I am even struggling to write about all that I have been discussing with God and with my friends. How am I supposed to live out a life free from the bondage of “substance abuse”?
I am trying to figure this one out…

I clearly understand that money in and of itself is not bad… it is amoral, neither good nor bad. It is, “ …the love of money that is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wondered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1Tim. 6:10 NLT).

I had an interesting discussion with a dear friend some time back. We were talking about love, marriage, and finances. I remember it being said, “Sometimes, love is not enough,” Along with it being said that financial stability and security were more important. I saw a special friend whose faith was in the bank account, the property, and the career.

How many men and women place financial stability and security by taking the right job, going after the right career, and owning the right stocks as something prudent and within their control? Walk in to Barnes and Noble and there are loads of books on money, finances, wealth accumulation, investments, and career plans.

Owning a home, living in a good neighborhood, kids going to a good school and participating in soccer leagues, dance lessons, a car, etc. are important. Or are they?

Perhaps they are important, in the right perspective…hmm. Then why would a married couple move to Bangladesh? Why would they risk like that? Something is very wrong!

I think it does not make any sense by the world’s standards and makes complete sense with God… Can I serve money and God? God says, “no.”

Nor do I think God wants us to toss everything away…or maybe He goes… He does talk about being a good steward, he does show that people did have wealth that also were devote followers of Him, in fact, those people provided for the needs of Jesus, the disciples, the poor, and so on…

So, how do I walk forward…? By being a good steward of what God has given me, frugal much more than wasteful; generous to those with needs much more than greedy for the “bling-bling” in my life; by seeking DAILY to please God, serving His purposes, double and triple checking the Word of God against my wants, desires, and cravings that may lead to “substance abuse.”

I need to give God room to provide beyond my control… I need to surrender… I need to seek first, the Kingdom of God.

Hey God, what will please YOU? What will put a smile on YOUR face? Where should I spend YOUR money?

Let’s pray for each other as all sorts of people struggle with the hold that money has over their lives…there are millionaires who struggle with depression, alcohol, drugs, and suicide. There are also the poor and destitute who struggle with depression, alcohol, drugs, and suicide… it is the LOVE of money…

Do you have any money stories? Please share them; I need your testimony to help me see my LORD in action more.

Jehovah Jirah (Lord Our Provider) ROCKS