MONEY, MARRIAGE & THE MESSIAH'S CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: LUKE 16:14-18
The Delicate Balance: Money, Marriage, and the Kingdom of God
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves grappling with the complexities of money, relationships, and spiritual growth. These themes intertwine in ways that can either strengthen our faith or lead us astray from our divine purpose. Today, let's explore how these elements intersect and what wisdom we can glean from ancient teachings that remain remarkably relevant in our modern world.
The Love of Money: A Root of All Kinds of Evil
It's been said that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and this truth resonates just as strongly today as it did centuries ago. We live in a world where wealth is often equated with success, blessing, and even spirituality. However, this mindset can be dangerously misleading.
Consider the Pharisees of old – religious leaders who were known for their wealth and status. They used their riches to convince society of their spiritual superiority, but their hearts were far from pure. This serves as a stark reminder that what society highly esteems can be an abomination in the sight of God.
The danger lies not in possessing wealth, but in allowing the pursuit of riches to corrupt our hearts and actions. We must ask ourselves: Are we using our resources to glorify God and help others, or are we hoarding wealth at the expense of our spiritual well-being?
The Kingdom of God: A Call to Press In
Amidst discussions of wealth and societal status, we're reminded of a greater pursuit – the kingdom of God. This kingdom isn't about earthly riches or power, but about aligning our hearts with God's will and purposes.
Entering this kingdom often requires us to "press in" – a phrase that implies effort, determination, and even a kind of spiritual violence against our own selfish nature. It's not a passive journey, but an active choice to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow a higher calling.
This pressing in might look like fasting to discipline our bodies, saying "no" to worldly temptations, or actively choosing to love others even when it's difficult. It's a daily battle against our own will, but one that leads to true fulfillment and purpose.
The Enduring Word of God
In a world of constant change and fleeting trends, we're reminded of something unchanging and eternal – the Word of God. It's said that it's easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest part of God's Word to fail. This truth should both comfort and challenge us.
Throughout history, powerful leaders have tried to destroy the Bible, yet it has survived and thrived. The Roman emperor Diocletian once declared Christianity extinct, only for it to become the official religion of Rome just 22 years later. This resilience speaks to the power and truth contained within its pages.
As we navigate life's challenges, we can anchor ourselves to this enduring Word. It serves as our guide, our comfort, and our judge. The knowledge we gain from it comes with responsibility – to live it out and to share its wisdom with others.
Marriage, Divorce, and God's Design
The topics of money and spiritual growth naturally lead us to consider relationships, particularly marriage. Financial struggles are often cited as a major reason for divorce, highlighting how intertwined our material and relational lives can be.
God's design for marriage is beautiful – a reflection of Christ's relationship with the church. It's meant to be a sacred, lifelong commitment. However, human failings often mar this ideal. The teachings on divorce remind us of the seriousness of the marriage covenant, while also acknowledging the reality of human brokenness.
While adultery and death of a spouse are cited as biblical grounds for divorce, we must also consider situations of abuse or severe neglect. God's heart is for healing and restoration, not for trapping people in harmful situations. The key is to seek wisdom, counsel, and God's guidance in navigating these difficult waters.
For those considering marriage, the importance of premarital counseling cannot be overstated. Understanding roles, expectations, and God's design for marriage can lay a strong foundation for a lifelong commitment.
Reflection and Action
As we ponder these weighty topics, let's consider some practical steps:
1. Examine our relationship with money. Are we using our resources in a way that honors God and helps others?
2. Actively "press into" the kingdom of God. What areas of our lives need more surrender to God's will?
3. Immerse ourselves in God's Word. How can we make Bible study and application a more central part of our daily lives?
4. Nurture our marriages. Are we reflecting Christ's love in our relationships?
5. Seek help and counsel when needed. Whether it's financial advice, marriage counseling, or spiritual guidance, don't hesitate to reach out for support.
Remember, our journey of faith is not meant to be traveled alone. We're part of a larger community, supporting and encouraging one another as we navigate life's challenges.
In conclusion, the interplay of money, relationships, and spiritual growth forms the backdrop of our daily lives. By aligning our hearts with God's Word and actively pursuing His kingdom, we can navigate these areas with wisdom and grace. Let's commit to pressing into God's purposes, valuing eternal treasures above earthly riches, and nurturing relationships that reflect His love.
May we be people who not only hear these truths but live them out, becoming beacons of hope and love in a world that desperately needs both.
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves grappling with the complexities of money, relationships, and spiritual growth. These themes intertwine in ways that can either strengthen our faith or lead us astray from our divine purpose. Today, let's explore how these elements intersect and what wisdom we can glean from ancient teachings that remain remarkably relevant in our modern world.
The Love of Money: A Root of All Kinds of Evil
It's been said that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and this truth resonates just as strongly today as it did centuries ago. We live in a world where wealth is often equated with success, blessing, and even spirituality. However, this mindset can be dangerously misleading.
Consider the Pharisees of old – religious leaders who were known for their wealth and status. They used their riches to convince society of their spiritual superiority, but their hearts were far from pure. This serves as a stark reminder that what society highly esteems can be an abomination in the sight of God.
The danger lies not in possessing wealth, but in allowing the pursuit of riches to corrupt our hearts and actions. We must ask ourselves: Are we using our resources to glorify God and help others, or are we hoarding wealth at the expense of our spiritual well-being?
The Kingdom of God: A Call to Press In
Amidst discussions of wealth and societal status, we're reminded of a greater pursuit – the kingdom of God. This kingdom isn't about earthly riches or power, but about aligning our hearts with God's will and purposes.
Entering this kingdom often requires us to "press in" – a phrase that implies effort, determination, and even a kind of spiritual violence against our own selfish nature. It's not a passive journey, but an active choice to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow a higher calling.
This pressing in might look like fasting to discipline our bodies, saying "no" to worldly temptations, or actively choosing to love others even when it's difficult. It's a daily battle against our own will, but one that leads to true fulfillment and purpose.
The Enduring Word of God
In a world of constant change and fleeting trends, we're reminded of something unchanging and eternal – the Word of God. It's said that it's easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest part of God's Word to fail. This truth should both comfort and challenge us.
Throughout history, powerful leaders have tried to destroy the Bible, yet it has survived and thrived. The Roman emperor Diocletian once declared Christianity extinct, only for it to become the official religion of Rome just 22 years later. This resilience speaks to the power and truth contained within its pages.
As we navigate life's challenges, we can anchor ourselves to this enduring Word. It serves as our guide, our comfort, and our judge. The knowledge we gain from it comes with responsibility – to live it out and to share its wisdom with others.
Marriage, Divorce, and God's Design
The topics of money and spiritual growth naturally lead us to consider relationships, particularly marriage. Financial struggles are often cited as a major reason for divorce, highlighting how intertwined our material and relational lives can be.
God's design for marriage is beautiful – a reflection of Christ's relationship with the church. It's meant to be a sacred, lifelong commitment. However, human failings often mar this ideal. The teachings on divorce remind us of the seriousness of the marriage covenant, while also acknowledging the reality of human brokenness.
While adultery and death of a spouse are cited as biblical grounds for divorce, we must also consider situations of abuse or severe neglect. God's heart is for healing and restoration, not for trapping people in harmful situations. The key is to seek wisdom, counsel, and God's guidance in navigating these difficult waters.
For those considering marriage, the importance of premarital counseling cannot be overstated. Understanding roles, expectations, and God's design for marriage can lay a strong foundation for a lifelong commitment.
Reflection and Action
As we ponder these weighty topics, let's consider some practical steps:
1. Examine our relationship with money. Are we using our resources in a way that honors God and helps others?
2. Actively "press into" the kingdom of God. What areas of our lives need more surrender to God's will?
3. Immerse ourselves in God's Word. How can we make Bible study and application a more central part of our daily lives?
4. Nurture our marriages. Are we reflecting Christ's love in our relationships?
5. Seek help and counsel when needed. Whether it's financial advice, marriage counseling, or spiritual guidance, don't hesitate to reach out for support.
Remember, our journey of faith is not meant to be traveled alone. We're part of a larger community, supporting and encouraging one another as we navigate life's challenges.
In conclusion, the interplay of money, relationships, and spiritual growth forms the backdrop of our daily lives. By aligning our hearts with God's Word and actively pursuing His kingdom, we can navigate these areas with wisdom and grace. Let's commit to pressing into God's purposes, valuing eternal treasures above earthly riches, and nurturing relationships that reflect His love.
May we be people who not only hear these truths but live them out, becoming beacons of hope and love in a world that desperately needs both.
Recent
MONEY, MARRIAGE & THE MESSIAH'S CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: LUKE 16:14-18
August 5th, 2025
THE REALITY OF HELL: A CALL TO SPIRITUAL INVENTORY --LUKE 16:19-31
July 22nd, 2025
THE HEART OF GOD: LOST AND FOUND LUKE 15
July 15th, 2025
THE NARROW WAY TO LIFE: A CALL TO SPIRITUAL VIGILANCE (LUKE 13:22-35)
June 10th, 2025
THE SUFFERING SERVANT: A GLIMPSE INTO PROPHECY FULFILLED - ISAIAH 52:13-15
May 16th, 2025
Archive
2025
February
March
May
July
2022
2021
2019
2016
Categories
no categories