Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Money is one of the greatest indicators of what we truly value in life and who our “Master” really is. If we serve God, money will always be spent in a way that places God’s Kingdom first and glorifies Him in all we do (Matthew 6:33). However, if we love money more than God, then we will spend our money on whatever we want and “our kingdom” will always come first.
The biblical definition of “greed” is, “putting money above obedience to God’s commands.” Consequently, if someone wanted to see what we valued most in our lives and who our Master really is, all they would have to do is look at our bank statement and see where we spend our money.
For example, monthly house payments shows we value shelter, the grocery expenses show we value food, clothes and cosmetics reveal our value for our appearances, the gym membership shows we value health and charitable donations show we care about others in our community. For those of us who are married and or have children most of these expenses (and many more) would show we value family.
How much would someone see you give to God? God commanded us both in the Old and New Testament to give Him our very best every time we receive an income. The Bible calls this “tithes and offerings” (Malachi 3:10). A “tithe” is 10% of our total income and “offerings” are anything we give after our tithes to the church. Are you a faithful tither and giver of offerings?
It’s tempting in our “me-centered” generation to think that giving God tithes and offerings is not as important as taking care of our family, paying bills and living a good life. But the only way to be blessed and break greed off our hearts is to put God first in our finances.
Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, “19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Do you believe what Jesus said about “treasures in heaven?” If you do you then you should joyfully give your tithes and offerings every chance you can.
Disciples of Christ should spend money on the good things God has blessed us with on earth; however, God’s Kingdom should always come first in our finances. We must store up for ourselves treasures in heaven by supporting and giving faithfully to Christ’s church. Therefore, decide today where your treasure is going to be and what Master you are going to serve- God or Money. I pray that you choose to serve God and live a life of Kingdom generosity!
If you have struggled with greed by not being a faithful giver of tithes and offerings pray this out loud, “Father, I repent for having a heart of greed. Please teach me to give back to you tithes and offerings from whatever you give me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Reflection
Who is the Master of your life- God or Money?
Action
- Repent if you have not been faithful in giving tithes and offerings.
- Be faithful in giving your tithes and offerings to the Lord every time you receive income. Adrian Rogers said, “God doesn’t need us to give Him our money. He owns everything. Tithing is God’s way to grow Christians.”
- Ask God to bless you so that you can be a blessing to others (Proverbs 19:17).
