In the wilderness, the devil tempted Jesus three times. During the third attempt, the devil showed Jesus the kingdom of the world and its splendor. Spiritually, the devil is indeed the enemy of Christians, but practically, the devil uses money as a strong weapon to trap and paralyze believers so they cannot grow healthily according to the will of God. Therefore, Jesus said: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other … You cannot serve God and mammon” Matthew 6:24.
The word Mammon is originated from the Aramaic word “mamona”, which generally means wealth or gain. In its use, it refers to riches or money. One cannot serve God and Mammon, meaning that it is impossible to earnestly love God and serve Him while serving money at the same time. Serving money means: money becomes number one and the purpose of life, more than the truth. Money becomes a source of peace and happiness in life. Money is used as a way to judge and measure people. Money is also often pursued through unrighteous ways.
If he/she doesn’t resist the temptation, someone who loves the Lord so much still can be tempted and fall into the sin of money. Actually, the money itself is not evil, but the devil uses the money to manipulate a lot of believers to fall into sin. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
How should our attitude be towards money? The economy or financial system of the Kingdom of God is so different from the system of this world. When our lives are in alignment with the values and principles of God, we will be successful in various areas. We will gain at this present time and in the time to come. Our attitude toward money greatly impacts our spirituality. Jesus taught: “…Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Luke 16:10-11. If we managed our money according to God’s values and principles, we will grow in intimacy with Him, but if we manage the money by the ways of the world, our lives will fall apart.
The right attitude toward money:
- Money is entrusted to us by God. We are not the owner, we are just stewards, Job 1:21.
- Be grateful for every blessing from God. Regardless of how much money that, the Lord gives us, if we receive it with a grateful heart, we can enjoy it joyfully. On the other hand, if we had a great amount of money, without thanksgiving, we would always feel in lack and we would never be satisfied 1 Timothy 6:6.
- Determine your lifestyle according to the blessings you receive. Because a person’s value doesn’t depend on his appearance. Our value is based on the fact that mankind is created according to God’s image and likeness, Genesis 1:26.
- Ask God’s guidance to manage money. If God guides you in managing your money, it will certainly not be used for useless things like cigarettes, alcohol, and etc.
- People, in general, prefer to receive than to give. But, to guard ourselves against the love of money, we must learn to discipline ourselves to give regularly. “…It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35. Therefore, give joyfully; not grudgingly or under compulsion.
God Bless You.
Source: GBI Gatot Subroto’s Bulletin