July 28, 2005

 

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

                                                                             --Proverbs 22:7

 

A writer for Forbes magazine once wrote, “Sooner or later I expect American’s to give up their comic faith in the miraculous power of money. Not for any preacher’s reason but because as any other neurosis, more people will come to appreciate that the substitution of shadow for substance, of illusion for reality, results in behavior both idiotic and dangerous.”

 

The writer went on to say that money never delivers what it promises. And he’s right—it doesn’t. But with our desire to acquire, we keep thinking that a little more money will make us happier. At some point, we as Christians have to ask ourselves, “When is “enough” enough? Where is my hope?”

 

I read a bumper sticker not too long ago that said, “I owe, I owe, it’s off to work I go!” Many are up to their ears in debt, buying things they can’t afford to impress people they don’t even like! Our culture is committed to buy now and pay later. But Proverbs 22:7 says, “…the borrower is servant to the lender.”

 

Some of the most anxious people I know are those who have borrowed and borrowed and borrowed. And now they are in financial bondage to credit card companies, banks, and lenders, and don’t know how to get out. We think: “If I can have this, I’ll be happy” or “If I don’t have this kind of house, life won’t be as good” or “If the kids have this kind of stuff, then maybe they’ll be successful.”

 

Indeed, only God is adequate enough to satisfy your every need in life. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

 

So, what does your money say about your hope in Jesus? The poor widow who gave only a mite—which was everything she had—proved her faith and hope in Him. She had a vision beyond her earthly existence and saw a city a gold awaiting her in Heaven. Because her heart was already in heaven, her treasure quickly followed. Is your hope here and now? Or is it in the eternity that God has planned for all those who love Him?

 

INSTEAD OF BEING A COMPULSIVE BORROWER, BE A GRACIOUS

GIVER AND STORE YOUR TREASURES IN HEAVEN WITH THE LORD.