Jan and I have been doing a lot of soul searching and hand-wringing lately regarding our retirement investment accounts. And then (as usually happens) I get a word from God about His will and priorities that fit perfectly into what I need at the moment as I'm reading my bible in the middle of all this...
The Book of Matthew is in many regards a teaching manual directly from Jesus and God's will for us regarding money is no exception:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).
This is such a hard concept for us, especially as members of the greatest economy in the world! I read a devotional in Beth's office recently that helps put this in some perspective. I'm paraphrasing, but it went something like this: The crown that we will wear for eternity in heaven is being fashioned by us right now on earth! (And no, it has nothing to do with how much money you made...)
Jesus continues:
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. (and here's the kicker) YOU CANNOT SERVE BOTH GOD AND MONEY (Matthew 6:24) (emphasis mine obviously...)
Now there's a verse worth memorizing - IT'S ONE OR THE OTHER, CAN'T BE BOTH! Here's the good news, it was much easier to move forward with my perspective restored. God Bless!
-John