DOMINION MANDATE DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

MONEY IS A TOOL NOT A MASTER

BIBLE READING: LUKE 16:10-14

“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided him." Luke 16:13–14 (NKJV).

Money is any acceptable medium of exchange which is also used to store value. The importance of money cannot be overemphasized. It is one of the most contentious issues which have the capacity to make or mar its possessor depending on his/her disposition. Money itself is amoral but it is our attachment to and our worship of money that will lead us into sin - “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1Tim 6:10 (NIV).

The earth belongs to God and He has given us power of attorney to steward His resources. When Jesus says, “You cannot serve God and money,” the word used for money is specifically “mammon.” Just as “wisdom” is personified throughout the Bible, Jesus personifies money here as another entity that vies for our allegiance. What is interesting here is that the Pharisees were infected with this love of money, and it caused them to immediately discount what Jesus was saying - "The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they decided him." Luke 16:14(NKJV). God does not talk about money because He is broke and needs a helping hand. Far from it. God owns everything - "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine. Exodus 19: 5 (NIV).

Since God is the rightful owner of everything we have, this means the money we earn belongs to God. Practically speaking, God calls us to manage the money we accumulate on His behalf. This is the essence of Biblical stewardship. It is important that we periodically do a personal wellness check regarding our attitudes about money and possessions - "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:34(KJV).

Our money should be deployed to support the advancement of God’s kingdom agenda. Money is a tool because it is through our prosperity that the Gospel will be taken to the ends of the earth – “Cry yet, saying, thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem. Zach 1:17(KJV).

Money is a veritable tool that has the tendency to enslave its possessor. We are enjoined to serve the Lord with our money but not serve money which demands worship - You cannot serve God and money. Are you maximizing the resources God has given to you as a tool to advance the Gospel, and bless lives or are you a slave to money? Selah!

ACTION POINT:
Obtain your bank account statement and review your expenditure for the past 6 months. If the bulk of your expenses does not show that your money has been a tool for the advancement of God’s Kingdom, repent and consciously use your money as a tool.