Not only to know or to have it but also how to use it.
Scripture reading: Acts of Apostles 8:18-24. Text: “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.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
It was about two months ago when we worried about the financial cliff. Our worry is over because the crisis was solved (or facing the issue just postponed) for the time being and we can talk now about financial matters in a more objective and relaxed way.
People generally do not like to hear about finances because it ends up with asking for more donations or support. On the other hand, the Bible quite often touches this sensitive topic, for instance when the laborers were not satisfied with their pay, see Matthew 20:1-16. Or think how Judas made a deal with the chief priests to betray Jesus. They offered Judas 30 silver coins. Matthew 26:14-16. We also know how Judas returned the “blood money” (Matthew 27:3-6) and finished his life. Our Lord was willing to pay the taxes, please read Matthew 17:25-27 and Matthew 22:15-22.
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES MAKE IT CLEAR, THE POSSESSION OF THE FINANCIAL MEANS IS NOT THE PROBLEM BUT THE ROOT OF THE EVIL IS HOW WE EARN IT AND HOW WE USE IT.
Here are the steps as we fall victims to the temptations of our wealth:
n Money in the pocket and in the bank seems to be so innocent and quite often a financial reserve is very helpful.
n It promises happiness, popularity, prestige and power. The bigger the estate the more tempting the promises are.
n We are convinced that we control our wealth, and at the end it controls us.
n We like to hide our assets to avoid an urgent plea for help. If we help one, soon many more will come with heartbreaking requests, then how can we say, “sorry, I cannot give anymore?”
n Money can glorify the present but at the same time it can ruin the future.
n Regardless how much money one managed to earn and accumulate, he or she can justify it by saying, “I deserved it because I worked hard for it or my parents did.”
n Money can make people envious, greedy, jealous and even hostile and belligerent.
n Money is able to choke our consciences by not caring how much others will be hurt by our “wise business dealings.” Is it possible to earn a bundle without others losing a lot? Think about the loan sharks.
n One of the definitions of the dollar is, “not enough, I need a little bit more.”
n Money can buy not only merchandise or service but also honesty, favors and even votes. Please read in Matthew 28:11-15 how the soldiers were willing to make false statements when they were bribed.
ON THE OTHER HAND WE SHOULD NOT BE SO CRITICAL BECAUSE THERE ARE SEVERAL FAVORABLE PROPERTIES OF OUR FINANCIAL ASSETS
n Charities can do so much with the help of generous donors. Think about the Salvation Army or the Red Cross and other organizations helping the poor, the victims of a disaster or in the case of a serious, expensive illness.
n One of the best ways to reward a good deed or a great accomplishment is a nice check.
n There is one important word attached to any wealth: SHARE. When John the Baptist presented a critical message, this happened: “‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.'” Luke 3:10-11. Apostle Paul was of the same opinion, please read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4.
n Jesus was a strong advocate of generosity: “remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts of Apostles 20:35/b. Please read also Luke 21:1-4. The popular wisdom underlines also the positive power of wealth, “One can give without loving, but cannot love without giving.” And: “Who gives without delay gives twice as much.” Praise the Lord for those well-to-do generous people who are willing to share their wealth.
In the spiritual life, not silver nor gold has the greatest “purchasing power” but Jesus’ sacrifice as Apostle Peter wrote: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” 1 Peter 1:18-19.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Ligonier.