“Do you wake up in the morning thinking about money? Is your conversation about needing more money to shop, spend, or gamble?” If your mind is on your money and your money is on your mind, it’s possible that money is your idol. What consumes your mind controls your actions.
In the Bible “mammon” is translated as “money, wealth, and material possessions.” Those who desire to be rich, who have “the love of money” and lust after it, are led into temptation and are trapped into many foolish desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction; (1st Tim. 6:10). Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income; (Eccl. 5:10). It doesn’t matter how much time is spent chasing after money the lust for it can never be satisfied.
Sin is the root of all evil in the world, and “the love of money is a root” to all kinds of evil; (1st Tim. 6:10 NIV). The love of money motivates people to lie, steal, cheat, gamble, embezzle, and even murder. These signs reveal that a person is totally out of balance in their thinking and actions. We should never allow ourselves to be drawn away by the deceitfulness of riches, believing that we’re going to be content if we have more of what we’re lusting after. The truth is that satan wants us chasing after things that can never satisfy us, … beware!
Our time should not be used seeking material wealth, instead we should be seeking God, who is the Source of all things. Only God can satisfy a thirsty heart in search of satisfaction. A person’s life does not consist of an over-abundance of the things; (Luke 12:15). We must never put our trust in things or rely on our wealth to secure our future. There are somethings that money cannot buy, such as good health, true love, time, and godly peace. These things are all in God’s hands and they are vital for us.
In managing money godly wisdom should be applied. Here are a few suggestions that may be helpful to you in finding balance and control concerning money:
- Spend wisely using discretion and self-control. Watch your debits and credits.
- Learn to be stable in spending. Spend some, save some, and give some.
- Be well balanced when giving. Give freely without expecting anything in return. You cannot out give God, who rewards our good deeds.
- Never be deceptive or greedy for selfish gain. It prospers nothing.
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
Giving is not just about money, as some of us believe, when we give of our time, we are also making a sacrifice. Time is just as valuable as money. Setting aside time for others who are in need requires sacrificial giving. In helping others our giving should bring joy to the recipient and to the giver. It’s a twofold blessing! God not only blesses the receiver of the gift, but He also blesses the giver. God loves a cheerful giver; (2 Cor. 9:7).
I pray that you’ll be encouraged to look to heaven for the eternal things of God which promises abundant living in Christ Jesus. Be a blessing and say a prayer for those whom you love. May you prosper as your soul prospers. God bless!
Jeanie Martin Ministries 