Nougat 17

In a world where money is top priority for most, what is/should be the nature of our relationship with money? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“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.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Ouch!

Money is a tool; not a god. Therefore we don’t yield to the pressure money can cause or allow those with access to money to take control in unreasonable ways. For while money can buy many things, including loyalty, it isn’t loyal, it doesn’t love, nor does it offer true security, as far often someone is trying to get it from us while expending little effort. It can help us access the best healthcare in the world; but money doesn’t heal. And although we tend to accord the wealthy lots of power, even in our places of worship; we know that money cannot purchase our salvation.

Now wealth cannot be understood only as money; it includes fixed and other assets that, in many places, represent money or a lucrative income base. However, our fixation with the access to liquid assets and ‘cash flow’ often leads to money being given unfair advantage (that includes bitcoin and cyber/crypto currencies) over the others.

It is good that we save, ie set aside something for a rainy day. But, wealth accumulation and the manipulation of systems and people who are in need of the resources that generate wealth by human standards cannot be our be all and end all.

By the same token, when we are the ones with access to wealth and the attendant resources we might get ahead of ourselves and conclude that we ought to be given privileges over and above everyone else. That doesn’t sit well with God.

Not one bit!

We are called to use our wealth for the benefit of the whole; not to their detriment. And, when we truly see God as our Source for all good gifts, including wealth accumulation, we will find that our perspective shifts. Let’s take that lesson from Solomon who prioritized wisdom over riches. He knew one could result in the other; and without the one, the other can easily be lost. What he missed after a while (probably because of his arrogance) was that the key to wisdom and to wealth is God. And that holds true for all the other resources that we hold as dear.

Zero value in comparison to God. The key to those that we would seek after is God.

May we find the One we seek Who can provide all else that we would seek.

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May all we seek be found in Christ