This should be a no-brainer, right? That we ought to put Jesus first in everything we do.
We are in the process of making a big decision relating to our finances. When it comes to money, the commonsense approach is, how can I make (or keep) as much money as possible?
There is a part of me that doesn’t feel this is right. Am I saying that we should be senseless with our money? Of course, not.
The problem is that if this is the equation with us on how to deal with money, then where is Jesus in this? If Jesus is not in the equation, then it is pointing to something deeper. It means there are idols in our hearts.
As I asked a close friend to pray for me about this financial issue, I told him I am not looking for a solution where I walk away with as much money as possible, even if it is legal. If I don’t believe in Jesus, yes, that’s what I do. I want to choose the decision that honors God and what He wants us to do.
What does this mean? It means that sometimes we may make a decision where it will cost us financially because it is the right thing to do. Not just right legally, but right before God’s eyes.
For example, paying taxes. I know many of you, especially if you are in Canada; when you think about taxes, the first response is to groan. But please, read Romans 13:6-7. On a side note, we always look for ways to save taxes. Nothing wrong with that. But where do you draw the line between being greedy because we love money and paying taxes where they are due (Romans 13:7). That’s a blurry line. It is blurry because it is highly based on your intent. Often we may think we are saving taxes and is wise, but in reality, it is because we are lovers of money.
The other part about money is am I relying on money for my future? Am I the fool who thinks I have a large barn and therefore my life is secured (Luke 12:13-21)? Or is my daily needs based not on money but on God? We can scream and shout about being Christian. But until it gets down to personal, like our wallet (or our bank account), then it reveals to us who really relying on God and relying on mammon.
Today’s Utmost devotion focuses on being careful of living life with ‘commonsense’ carefulness.
Jesus summed up commonsense carefulness in the life of a disciple as unbelief. If we have received the Spirit of God, He will squeeze right through our lives, as if to ask, “Now where do I come into this relationship, this vacation you have planned, or these new books you want to read?” And He always presses the point until we learn to make Him our first consideration. Whenever we put other things first, there is confusion.
Utmost devotion – Our Careful Unbelief
It hits the situation I am going through right on. The question I am asking shouldn’t be how much money I can make or save. Rather it is where is God in this decision I am making.
Here are some questions I am asking myself:
- Where is God in all this?
- Am I doing the right thing? Am I rendering what belongs to Caesar?
- What is my motive for doing so? Is it to keep all the money for me? Or is it glorifying God in all things?
- If/When others see me doing this, do I feel ashamed?
- Do I view my money as my sustainer? Or do I see God as the one who provides for my daily needs?
As such, I am continue to pray and seek Him.
