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What Is Your HOPE In?
Mark delivered a very timely message about the love of money when I was in Fairfax a few weeks ago. I would have said that I was NOT very materialistic by nature before I heard this message, and therefore didnt struggle in this area, but on the hand-out that Mark gave, the following questions were very pointed and convicting. God continues to build on the theme of what he is working in me... that heaven is my home and this world is part of the journey home. My hope is in that!
Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5
Questions to consider:
1. Do I perfer prosperity over God and everlasting happiness?
2. Do I have an inordinate eagerness for earthly things?
3. Do my thoughts and words run more easily to this world than Christ, grace, and heaven?
4. Do I see myself as the owner of my stuff or as the stewart of God's?
5. When I am in trouble do I find more comfort in thoughts of provision in the world than from my trust in God and hope of heaven?
6. Am I plesaed if I prosper, even though my soul is in a sorry condition?
7. Am I more careful to provide materially for my children than spiritually?
8. Will I sin (lie, deceive, flatter, violate my conscience , steal) in order to prosper?
9. Do I spend all I have on myself, leaving only leftovers for God, church, and others?
10. Do I become overly dejected and impatient during times of trial, loss, or financial setbacks? (Does my joy end when something breaks?)
Below are some suggestions that Mark gave in Combatting the Love of Money. I have highlighted the ones that impacted me most!
10 Directions for Combating the Love of Money:
1. Look often to the cross of Christ who, though rich, became poor so you could be rich in salvation.
2. Labor to feel your greatest need, salvation, which money cant buy.
3. Seriously consider your everlasting state, and how much greater things than riches you have to mind.
4. Remember how short is the time you get to keep and enjoy the wealth you have.
5. Be often with those who are sick and dying and take careful note of what their riches will do for them.
6. Remember that riches make it much harder for a man to be saved that the love of this world is the most common cause of men's damnation.
7. Remember that the more you have, the more you have to give account for.
8. Understand well the nature and malignity of this sin.
9. Remember that God has promised to provide for you.
10. When you find your covetousness most dangerous, do something generous.
