The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 16:13,
"No servant can serve two masters. 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 both God and Money."
Let's be honest here. With this one verse, many the churches and "ministries" in our land may as well just close the doors and go home. I don't know how many excuses I have heard over the years for justifying the avarice of so many congregations and pastors. "Its for the children", a new building, another staff position, adding "ministry" to the portfolio of services to the community, outreach, missions, etc.
The reality is that big egos take great effort to expand their personal empires, build stadium sized buildings and congregations and continue to appeal for more money. More money. It seems its all about the "more money", the building project, the "growth". Where many may not be able to amass personal fortunes for one reason or another, they find the expression of avarice through the corporate effort of a congregation.
Many churches and television "ministries" are predicated on the motivation of avarice. "Send in your faith promise pledge of $1,000 and God will bless you financially." All problems solved! Of course, ample video footage of the orphanages and food distribution to the impoverished locations of the planet are provided, showing how all of this avarice is really God ordained and God blessed. Meanwhile, the "ministry" grows in size and stature, providing ample salaries and comfortable positions for many.
On the other hand, there are some very good ministries that require funding that are engaged in the things of God - and we all want to participate in their success and help where we can. The great challenge is knowing who is who. Paul exhorts his readers in Corinth, "Just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us —see that you also excel in this grace of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:7. Selflessly giving to those in need is the premier act of love and a wonderful act of worship of our God who has blessed us with so much.
Notice what Paul says to the Corinthians about the believers in Macedonia, "And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."
These Macedonians gave out of a heart for the Lord and his people. Their giving did not result in a bigger building for themselves to meet in. Their giving did not result in more paid staff. Their giving did not result in building someones personal empire. It didn't result in a greater impact in their own community, providing leverage for local politics. They gave out of a love for the Lord. It cost them something and what they received in return is not what the fulfillment of avarice provides.
We want to make sure we are not of those "… who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." 1 Timothy 6:5. We cannot serve both God and money. What is ours to come for an eternity far outweighs any temporal satisfaction we might seek in this life. The Lord loves us and intends to bless us beyond anything we can ask or imagine!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
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