This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, by continuing to walk through the parable of the sower. Jesus said:
“The farmer is like someone who plants God’s teaching in people. Sometimes the teaching falls on the path. That is like some people who hear the teaching of God. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the teaching that was planted in them.
Other people are like the seed planted on rocky ground. They hear the teaching, and they quickly and gladly accept it. But they don’t allow it to go deep into their lives. They keep it only a short time. As soon as trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching they accepted, they give up.
Others are like the seed planted among the thorny weeds. They hear the teaching, but their lives become full of other things: the worries of this life, the love of money, and everything else they want. This keeps the teaching from growing, and it does not produce a crop in their lives.
And others are like the seed planted on the good ground. They hear the teaching and accept it. Then they grow and produce a good crop—sometimes 30 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 100 times more.” (Mark 4:13-20 ERV)
We have been focusing in on the phrase, “the love of money”. Many Christians don’t like to talk about money. But the Bible actually says more about money than it does about heaven. We need to talk about it. Especially as it relates to the improper “love” people have towards it. Money, in and of itself, is not evil. I would venture to say that NOT having money is evil. The only way to think that money itself is evil, is if you have never been poor. Money can and should be used for all sorts of good. It’s the love of money that is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10), not the money itself. Paul said, “The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have turned away from what we believe because they want to get more and more money. But they have caused themselves a lot of pain and sorrow.” (1 Tim 6:10 ERV).
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. God is not opposed to you having earthly possessions. I have seen Christians tear down other Christians for the earthly possessions they have accumulated. God is not opposed to you having “things”. God will even bless you with the things you desire. God is always looking at your heart (1 Sam 16:7). God only has a problem with you having things when the things you possess have taken the wrong place in your heart.
2. God can give you wealth. God made Solomon wise and rich. He was an ultra-billionaire, by the grace of God, and this is what he said concerning earthly wealth and possessions: “I have seen what is best for people to do on earth: They should eat, drink, and enjoy the work they have during their short time here. God has given them these few days, and that is all they have. If God gives some people wealth, property, and the power to enjoy those things, they should enjoy them. They should accept the things they have and enjoy their work—that is a gift from God.” (Ecc 5:18-20).
a) The Lord can bless you with wealth, property and the power to enjoy it. And there is nothing wrong with enjoying all God places in your hands.
b) You can and should enjoy the things God blesses you with, just don’t develop an improper love for them.
c) Thank God for your house, but don’t “love” for your house. Some “love” their house so much that it keeps them away from the God who blessed them with it.
d) Thank God for your car, but don’t “love” your car. God wants you to enjoy the things He blesses you with, but if you start loving things, instead of loving God, then the things God blessed you with actually become idols that keep you from Him.
3. Don’t criticize others for the wealth God has blessed them to attain. God is going to judge their heart. If God tests their heart and finds that their heart is in the right place where money is concerned, He will bless them with more. Don’t allow envy to fill your heart and to cause you to be upset with someone who has what you don’t. Allow God to judge their heart and you search your own. God will give you all you need to accomplish your divine assignment, and He will even bless you richly to enjoy the life He has given you, but your heart needs to be in the right place where money is concerned.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus where money is concerned. I don’t allow money to cause my heart to go astray. You can bless me with wealth Father, because I will use the wealth You place in my hands for Your Kingdom purposes. I don’t love my house, I am thankful I get to enjoy it. I don’t love my car, but I do enjoy it as I drive to and fro. I love You and I am thankful for all the earthly possessions You trust me with. My heart is in the right place concerning money. So Father, You can trust me with more. I will never develop a love for money. Money is a tool, You are my Lord, and I will never confuse the two. I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
