Yesterday I talked about having a relationship with Christ and whether or not it is authentic.

Today I’d like to focus on something the Bible identifies as a major stumbling block to that relationship:

Money.

In Luke 16:13 Jesus says it with his usual eye-opening candour: “You cannot serve both God and money.”

It’s a tricky subject. None of us would admit we serve money. But isn’t that what we do when we accumulate, save, and use money in a way that just builds up our own little kingdoms instead of God’s?

So the question we need ask is this: Do we use money carelessly and in a way that focuses exclusively on our own comforts and status? Or are we using money wisely and in a way which contributes to God’s will in the world?

I’m far from perfect, that’s for sure! And if this idea is new to you the point isn’t to make you feel guilty; it’s to help you.

But I truly think that using money to simply serve my own needs and without considering the needs of others, the local church, and those under my care, threatens the integrity of my relationship with Christ. Why? Because it shows how much in my life is self-centred instead of Christ-centred.

I’m not saying you can never have fun or treat yourself. (You can.) I’m simply highlighting the fact that money issues are spiritual issues.

They both trace back to the heart.

By Matthew Ruttan

—The full MANUSCRIPT to my recent ‘Heaven and Hell’ teaching series is now available for free download. You can do so here.
—Bible quotes are from the New International Version.