May 27 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Every believer has to fight the tendency of placing money and material goods on too high a level. Money can indeed become a god that rules us. But it is a false god which deceives. It cannot deliver what it promises. You may have thought, “If only we had a little more money it would make things so much better and easier.” Money not only deceives but it also ensnares us. A person who is ensnared by the love of money is like an alcoholic who thinks one more drink will solve his problems.

Our economy is structured in such a way that we cannot do without money or material goods. We have to pay our rent, mortgage, heating bills etc. Money provides us with food, transportation and the possibility of educating our children. Yet we may not serve money. Instead, we must serve God with our money, our wealth, our real estate and whatever we are granted. Even though money has such a strong pull and has dominated the lives of many, it never has the final say. Money does not talk as loud as some might think. The power of God is greater than the power of money. All principalities and powers of this world, including the god “Money” have been defeated through Jesus. God dethrones money by introducing the law of giving. Where there is giving, money lies powerless.

Believers give as an act of worship to the one only true God. By our willingness to give we exalt the Lord and not money. Every time we contribute to the church budget or other Christian causes we are reminded of how the Lord has introduced a new principle. We do not grab what we can get but we give according to the measure of our blessings. Giving is not a matter of making sure the needy have enough, the minister gets paid, the lights can be turned on, and missionaries are looked after. Giving is an act of faith, demonstrating that our heart is focused on heavenly treasures. Responding to God’s grace in Christ we become generous and gracious in our giving.

Jesus entered a world of selfishness and greed and He gave what cannot be bought with gold or silver. On the cross Christ stripped money of its power. Today He gives forgiveness, communion and eternal life as His free gifts of grace. Money can never give true happiness and blessedness. Christ’s giving opens to us a whole new world of grace and mercy. In Him we receive blessings and gifts that money cannot buy.