When God provides more money we often think, “This is a blessing.” Yes, but it would be just as scriptural to say, “This is a test.” Abundance isn’t God’s provision for me to live in luxury. God entrusts me with his money not to build my kingdom on earth, but to build his kingdom in heaven. “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion” (2 Cor 9:11)
–Randy Alcorn via Facebook
A fellow home coffee roaster roasts coffee for an African woman who is a missionary in this country and owns a coffee shop. She said that when missionaries from the U.S. go to Africa they pray for safety and health. When African missionaries come here their main concern is to not get sucked into materialism. This is a big concern for them. Since we live in it we aren’t nearly as aware of just how insidious it really is.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 TNIV
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Proverbs 30:8-9 TNIV
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say,
‘Who is the LORD?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
Philippians 4:11-13 TNIV
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
I think we are meant to be good stewards of whatever God grants us. Money is just money. If God grants us an abundance of money we should be thankful and do our best to treat it and use it wisely and for good. We shouldn’t be afraid of money. As Paul said to Timothy:
1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (ESV)
It isn’t the money! It is an out of control craving for more money which causes us to lose sight of the important things.
I think we should also all take this into consideration with some of the more vitriolic debates that occur over translations. When we get into heated debates about translations, what are we really debating about??
I think you’ve made more of a comment on my subject line than anything rlse. I now think it’s poorly worded. Now you’ve ruined my self-esteem and I’ve lost my sense of purpose.
Good points. Thanks for the verse from earlier in Timothy.
For the love of translations is a root of all kinds of evils. ?
Jeff
Scripture Zealot — It’s a valid question to raise. And I think you’re right–money is something to be used and treated with caution.
I think the Timothy quote I used reflects directly on the attitude of the African Missionaries. It is GOOD not to want to get sucked into materialism. We should all feel that way. But materialism and money are two different things. Materialism doesn’t need to money to exist in a person. Money doesn’t need, nor does it necessarily lead to materialism. The person’s attitude towards money and things is what leads one to materialism.
I may have been a bit off on my translations comment but what I was trying to allude to is that a lot of people bicker over what should be considered a blessing. We are fortunate and blessed to have an abundance of English translations. They (the main ones!) are all good and can all be edifying.
And I guess that is what I was alluding to. If God grants someone an abundance of money it is a blessing but the person must use it wisely and be a good steward.
God has seen fit to grant us an abundance of English Bible translations. That is a blessing!! It is we who turn it into a school lot, “my bike is cooler then your bike”, type of argument.
Thanks Mitchell. You can call me Jeff.
tom, I was thinking about making the distinction between money and materialism after reading your first post. I’m glad you did. And thanks for clarifying what you meant about translations. Good point!
Jeff