Chatting with Jesus
June 28, 2024
Lord, how easily we fall in love with this mistress. The love for this deceptive charmer has ruined countless families and careers. Scripture warns that loving money creates all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:9–11). The temptations that accompany money are the same for all people, whether having great wealth or living from paycheck-to-paycheck. Christ followers are not exempt. We think of the things money can buy. We can acquire anything we desire and show off our “treasures” before those “less fortunate.” Some dream of using wealth to create envy among those we can’t stand. Funny, we then become like them.
We face the same temptations the psalmist faced. Later in life, after he accumulated vast wealth, he could choose to do good with this money or use it selfishly. He could bless others and further the Kingdom of God or allow his wealth to be his downfall. For a time, his riches negatively influenced his judgment and drew him away from you. His writings revealed how disappointing that was. All the psalmist’s fancy, shiny things soon tarnished, leaving him wanting more worthless fancy, shiny things.
“Give me an eagerness for your laws [living by your values] rather than a love for money. Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through your Word” (Psalm 119:36–37 NLT).
When the psalmist abandoned his love of this cruel mistress, he experienced life as you intended. He developed an insatiable desire to spend more time with you, meditating and outlining your pathway to having a real life with purpose and meaning.
Lord, show us how to use our money wisely. As you bless us show us how to bless others and your kingdom here.
Amen, Jesus.
THANKFUL 