My father used to say, “To understand what truly matters to a person, look at their checkbook.” Law enforcement often tracks down criminals by following the money trail, illustrating just how significant our financial choices can be. The Bible offers extensive wisdom on money—how to use it, manage it, work for it, the pitfalls of loving it, and the importance of giving it away and caring for our families.
Let’s examine a few scriptures and reflect on our own hearts and the nation’s approach to money. 1 Timothy 6:10, a well-known verse, warns: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” This verse highlights that the love of money can lead individuals away from their faith, causing destruction.
In Hebrews 13:5, the writer advises: “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.'” This underscores that a focus on wealth and self-interest can distract us from our reliance on God.
Paul’s instructions to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 offer guidance for the wealthy: “17 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. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 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.”
Timothy emphasizes that wealth should not lead to arrogance or misplaced hope. Instead, generosity and good deeds lay a foundation for eternal life. My own book, The Imperfect Servant, reinforces this principle: regardless of our financial situation or personal imperfections, we are all called to serve. Wealth and resources, however substantial or modest, are entrusted to us by God for His purposes. Whether our lives seem orderly or chaotic, God calls us to serve.
The title The Imperfect Servant reflects this reality, that none of us are perfect, and some of the wealthiest people I know are far from flawless. Yet, regardless of our imperfections, we are all called to be the hands, feet and voices of God.
The love of money and the pursuit of wealth can often hinder our divine calling. Our resources are not truly ours; they are gifts from God to be used for His work. Whether you have a lot or a little, don’t let financial concerns prevent you from fulfilling your calling. We are called to bear fruit, serve the needy, and make disciples.
I am not harping on money in this article, it is a means to a greater message, stay with me here, the heart; what we do in life matters to our family, to our neighbors, our community and to ourselves. It certainly matters to God, we are His ambassadors, we are His servants here on earth. We have a job to do other than praise our Father. We honor Him by being active! Money, the love of it, the pursuit of it, the management of it, the use of it so often gets in the way or our divine natural assignment, our godly DNA, (that is from my dear brother Mark Koch The First Hour, https://www.thefirsthour.com/).
We must learn to find opportunities to work together as one body in Christ, to help each other, to collaborate in mission. So many churches, if they would join together in their communities, could be way more effective if they would collaborate. You, you can reach out, do your part in giving back and looking for opportunities to serve. Teach your children how to serve and give.
If you’re looking for ways to contribute, consider supporting Palette Productions, our nonprofit media organization, which will oversee a new video on demand network, the Americas Patriot Network (APN). APN is committed to countering the prevailing WOKE agenda with conservative, Christian, and patriotic programming. We aim to restore news integrity, much like the standards of Walter Cronkite and David Brinkley and have biblically based, family friendly programming. Visit www.paletteproductions.org to make a contribution.
I also want to highlight my friend Mark Koch’s project, The First Hour Devotional, which aims to distribute one million devotionals by year’s end. Over 400,000 copies have already been given away. You can support this effort by purchasing 100,000 books at a special printing cost of $1.55 each. This contribution will help complete the campaign’s goal. If you’re interested, contact Palette Productions for details on receiving a tax deduction.
Lastly, don’t miss WOW Jam on September 25 and 26. For 30 years, WOW Jam has worked with local churches to bring outreach to communities. This year, they will collaborate with churches, businesses, and organizations in Nashville at East Park for a free public event. We’ll provide free services like haircuts, bike repairs, grocery giveaways, makeovers, and more, concluding each day with a message of Christ’s love and an invitation to follow Him. Join us in this mission to continue Winning Our World for Christ, one person at a time.
Michael G. Carnes – With a 43-year career as an author and media executive, he has served as a director and producer for both Christian and non-Christian media, his experience includes 55 years as a Christian, learning from exceptional teachers and preachers all over the world and focuses his attention on helping others help others.
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