If you are hung up on money you may not even be a Christian, because people in Christ’s Kingdom are laying up treasure in heaven — investing in eternity. – John MacArthur
The preachers I have heard are right. It will take a massive outpouring of God’s grace to free us from the grasp of capitalism.
While reading my case book for Income Tax, I have run into many disputes involving significant amounts of capital. At first, I am tempted towards greed and am astonished at the figures involved. That much money in 1941 would mean millions today! But after pondering it a little longer, I can’t help but notice the larger picture… if the case was decided in 1941, these rich men are most likely already dead. I hope these men did not put their trust in their wealth.
How foolish I am to place my treasure in this world. “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 1:17.)
So what is the alternative?
I propose that we treasure what is worthy of being treasured! Scripture describes Christ’s preeminence this way:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. – Col 1:15-20
I must remember that I am to live my life to serve Christ, not myself. He is the Creator, worthy of all praise. My worth is found in being in Christ. I forget this. I believe that I see a need to attach $$ signs to the hours I put in…. thinking that my worth is found in how much I make each hour. But no, I must delight in and do what God calls me to do.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58
Let us remember the following truths:
– Placing our trust in this world is foolishness. – Luke 12:13-21
– Everything we have comes from God. – 1 Corinthians 4:7
– God will provide for all my needs in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:19
– He will never leave me nor forsake me. – Hebrews 13:5
– The Lord loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7
– I can encourage others in the faith by showing them where my treasure is. – Phil 1:21-25
– Christ is the supreme treasure. – Col 1:15-20
– We are rich! or rather, we who are in Christ Jesus are rich. – 2 Corinthians 8:9
– I can take part in the joy and privilege of serving the Lord by what I do with my time and what I have. – Col 3:23
(The world is watching us and they can tell where our priorities are placed.)
Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
