Money worries

Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.                              — Luke 12:32

Of His words recorded in the Bible, Jesus has more to say on money than any other topic. Luke 12 offers a good summary of His attitude. He does not condemn possessions, but He warns against putting faith in money to secure the future. Money fails to solve life’s biggest problems.

Although Jesus speaks to many aspects about money, He seems to concentrate on the question: What is money doing to you? Money can dominate a person’s life, diverting attention away from God. Jesus challenges us to break free of money’s power — even if it means giving it all away.

Jesus urges His listeners to seek treasure in the kingdom of God, for such treasure can benefit them in this life and the next one too. “Do not worry,” He says (v. 22), for God is the one who provides for our needs. And then to emphasize His point, He brings up King Solomon, the richest man in the Old Testament. Jesus said that a common wildflower is clothed more gloriously by God than a royal king. So do not have an anxious mind (vv. 27-29), “but seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you” (v. 31).

Better to trust in the God who lavishes care on the whole earth than to spend our lives worrying about money and possessions.                               — Philip Yancey

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud

      in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it away;

Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh

      nor a tear

Can abide while we trust and obey.

                                                     — Sammis

READ: Luke 12:22-31

The real measure of our wealth

is what will be ours in eternity.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14:1-24