Devotional - 99-08-01 - Passages about Money

It may not the most popular topic, but Jesus considered it important; so should we. The Bible has a lot to say about money, and we will look at several passages today. Of course, like most anything, money itself is not inherently evil. It's all a matter of balance. We need to seek God's perspective and will in our attitudes toward and use of material possessions, since everything belongs to Him.

How We Should Use our Money

1 Tim 5:5-10 (NIV) The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

2 Cor 9:9 (NLT) As the Scriptures say, "Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten.

1 Cor 16:1-2 (NIV) Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

Prov 13:11 (NIV) Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

Warnings Against Allowing Possessions to Possess Us

1 Tim 6:6-10 (NLT) Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Mark 10:17-22 (NIV) As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good-except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.' "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

: )  Jan

jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org