DON’T BECOME SLAVES TO THE MIGHTY DOLLAR
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” 1 Timothy 6:10, ESV
Theme: Though it lures us promising freedom, love of money actually enslaves people.
WHO LOVES MONEY
There is nothing particularly alluring about money itself. Made of fabric or an alloy, it isn’t fuzzy or warm; it doesn’t give you anything in return for your fondness. “Ducktales” was popular when I was growing up, and I see it has made a comeback recently. There was a clip in the opening montage where Scrooge McDuck dives into a pile of gold coins and spouts them out of his beak as if he had been swimming underwater. It is ridiculous. Who loves coins that much? However, when we relax in our curated homes, with styled outfits, picture perfect vacations, and drool-worthy dinners, what are we doing? Do others “follow” us because of the money we appear to be swimming in? The wealth? The talent in assembling beautiful scenes, clothes, and family moments? I don’t want to appear to swim in and spout money just because I can.
FREEDOM
We do need some money to meet basic needs. Working to provide for ourselves and our families can be satisfying and God-honoring. Living in poverty can feel like prison. Rising above poverty brings the feeling of freedom. Paying off debt brings freedom. Saying goodbye to a mortgage feels like freedom. Saving for college costs or for retirement may be a wise choice. Many times, we earn money to accomplish worthy goals. Yet, anything that can be done well to the glory of God, we may wrongly elevate above it’s intended place making it an idol. Making more money, growing a bigger nest egg, buying a larger home (or second home), having more things, providing the best experiences, environments, food, vacations, homes, gadgets, and outfits can become excessive and actually enslave us to the desire of always wanting more.
SLAVES
We are all slaves; the question is, to what? “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16, ESV). We don’t get to be our own masters. God purchased our freedom with Jesus’ death on the cross. Yet we submit to oppressive vocations. We submit to weeks without church fellowship or sabbath rest. We submit to sinful, corrupt work culture. “You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human beings.” (1 Corinthians 7:23, NIV). Money promises freedom. However, wanting more tempts us to submit to voluntary slavery. God wants a better life for us. Money doesn’t buy freedom; only God does that.
Make It Personal: How do I know if I love money? What freedom do I want? What things am I working towards that may not be worth the cost? What purchases and investments are wise and which ones are foolish?
Pray: Father, thank You for providing everything I need now and in eternity. Help me to discern the difference between faithfully and humbly working toward Your purposes and allowing You to provide for the rest. I want to put You first. I want to seek freedom and not slavery. Open my eyes to my errors and point me towards the right path. Help me to take the first step today. You are so faithful and patient with me. Thank You.
Read: 1 Timothy 6:17-21; 2 Timothy 3:2; Hebrews 13:5
Weekly Memory Verse: “...for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” 1 Timothy 6:7, ESV