⁵ Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”

Love of money contrasts with love of the brethren, the imprisoned and love of one’s spouse—and ultimately love of God. Jesus made it clear, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Luke 16:13). Notice, this is a character issue and not about the money per se. Wealth itself is not a bad thing. Abraham, the patriarch of faith, became a wealthy individual in his day. There are some Christians who have been blessed with abundance. The question is whether one loves his wealth more than God, the one who gives the wealth.

The apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of…having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:11–13).

When we consider what we do have in God’s presence, how can we rely on our material possessions and bank account? God promises throughout the Scripture that He will be present with us always. When Moses questioned his ability or authority to lead God’s people out of Egypt (“Who am I?” Ex. 3:11), God responded with a promise, “Certainly I will be with you…” (Ex 3:12). He said the same thing to Joshua (1:5). To His disciples, He said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). Paul concludes, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Ro 8:31). With God, what need do we have to trust in riches? Certainly we require money to live, but our focus is on God and then being content with what He supplies.

Here is a short sermon I want to someday preach, “How to Have All the Money You Want.” The entire contents of the sermon would be simply, “Be content with what you have.” This is the simple life; it is a life of faith. We may have desires to live more comfortably, but our love should focus us more on others, those who suffer for their faith and our spouses. The once-for-all-time sacrifice of Christ has proven to us that God loves us absolutely, sufficiently and completely. We are free to love others with the love wherewith we ourselves are loved. And in that there is abundance. In that we are rich to the point of giving away whatever might be of help to others.

Lord, thank You that You first loved us, so that we could love one another.