No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted
to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Luke 16:13 (ESV)

Our obedience to Christ is tested by how we use money. Here are some conclusions we can draw from this passage in Luke. (1) Let us use our resources wisely, because they belong to God and not to us. (2) Money can be used for good or evil; let us use ours for good. (3) Money has a lot of power, so we must use it carefully and thoughtfully. (4) We must use our material goods in a way that will foster faith and obedience.

Money can be a tool for helping others. We are to make wise use of our finances, spending our money to help those in need and to spread the gospel. In this way, our earthly investment will bring eternal benefit. When we obey God’s will, the unselfish use of possessions will follow.

Our integrity often is tested in money matters. God calls us to be honest, even in small details we might think unimportant. Heaven’s riches are far more valuable than earthly wealth. But if we are not trustworthy with our money here (no matter how much or how little we have), we will be unfit to handle the vast riches of God’s kingdom. Guard your integrity in small matters, and it will not fail you in crucial decisions.

Money must be managed or it will manage. Money has the power to take God’s place in your life. It can become your master. How can you tell if you are a slave to money? (1) Do you think and worry about it frequently? (2) Do you give up doing what you should do or would like to do in order to make more money? (3) Do you spend a great deal of your time caring for your possessions? (4) Is it hard for you to give money away? (5) Are you in debt?

Money is a hard master and a deceptive one. Wealth promises power and control, but often it cannot deliver. Great fortunes can be made—and lost—overnight, and no amount of money can provide health, happiness, or eternal life. How much better it is to let God be your Master. His servants have peace of mind and security, both now and forever.

Tags: Management, Money, Stewardship

Categories: Devotional ,Discipleship