The Bible is a treasure-trove of wisdom on that controversial subject of money. Besides being one of those things we're not supposed to talk about in polite company, money can be described in the same way that men and women sometimes describe each other, out of frustration: Money...you can't live with it, and you can't live without it!
Here are a few gems from the famous teacher Paul, in the book of 1st Timothy (The Message translation). There's something for everyone...and isn't it funny how we can see ourselves in both of these categories at once?
For those who don't have much money:
"A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough."
For those who have enough money to meet basic needs and more:
"Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage - to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life."
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteI agree that many of us would see ourselves in either/both camps at any given time depending on our "perspective". By that, I mean it depends on our justification when we see a need where money can help - we rationalize that we are too poor in relation to others (and therefore exempt ourselves from giving more), or, we have lots and justify not giving more because the ones in need don't deserve help because they are judged to have wasted what they had. Either way, we duck our biblical responsibility in order to keep our blessings all to ourselves.
Lots of Love, Dad