Title: Freedom from Money / Matthew 6:19-24
Content Free from money / Matthew 6:19-24
Key Verse: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal” (verse 20).
Word: It is said that if you give praise and money to know you are human, you will know. In particular, attitude toward money becomes a measure of character. So there is a saying. “Money shows where our attention is. Money can control us and put us in danger of worshiping it. Money represents our values.” (Leslie Flynn)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches the economic view of believers following the lesson on godly living.
At the same time, you need to know the futility of money. “Where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” Money is necessary, but not something to depend on and love. The moment you depend on money, you create anxiety and worry. They distrust their brothers and neighbors, even fight and become enemies. In the end, you lose everything along with money (1 Timothy 6:10).
Therefore, you must use your money wisely. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” It is not to use money according to your own desires, but to use it according to the will of the Lord.
The biblical order of money use is 'donation, tax, daily bread, savings, and leisure use'. Donations should be given first. In particular, a tithe is a material confession of faith that is given regularly every month to the fact that 'the servant of the Lord, not the servant of money'. The Reformer Luther says: “The repentance of a man whose wallet does not repent is unbelievable.”
A farmer raised two calves and decided to use one for the Lord's work. One day, months later, the farmer sadly tells his wife, “Your ox is dead.” Astonished, the wife said, "What do you mean, you haven't decided on the Lord's cattle yet?" The husband said, "I decided on the Lord's cattle without you knowing, and that cattle is dead."
Unless God's things are decided first, the Lord's cattle are always meant to die. Or is it that the Lord's cattle are always dead to you as well? Then you will never experience God's wonderful riches. The Lord speaks in conclusion. “You cannot serve God and money.”
Prayer: Help me not to be a slave to money, but to be a servant of the Lord, so that I may enjoy the riches of heaven. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord's Prayer