Today's Scripture
Question #11 – Luke 12:13-15 – Do I pray about the money I spend?
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
Sue's Devotion
As we start 2017, we wanted to examine the 22 questions of John Wesley. He challenged his followers to ask these rigorous self-examining questions, as they walk toward holiness. For the next four weeks, we will examine each question, daily. Also, I encourage you to read the ‘One Year Bible Reading Plan’ suggested by Bishop Sharma Lewis.
What the passage says
The Story of the Greedy Farmer 13 Someone out of the crowd said, “Teacher, order my brother to give me a fair share of the family inheritance.” 14 He replied, “Mister, what makes you think it’s any of my business to be a judge or mediator for you?”15 Speaking to the people, he went on, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.”
The Message (MSG)
What does the passage say to me/us?
These verses contain several implications, one of justice for the younger brother, as well as the greed in his heart. Jesus is careful not to become involved in matters that did not directly pertain to his earthly work and ministry. Jesus follows these verses with teaching on the desire for material things. Jesus warns us that wealth can lead to self-sufficiency and greed. “It is not money that is the root of all evil, but the inordinate love of it.” (I Timothy 6:10) Wealth is OK, but it is what we do with it that matters. Jesus is interested in our heart and our motivation.
So, what about Wesley’s question in relation to what we use our money for: “Do I pray about the money I spend?” Personally this is not a question I have given a lot of thought to. Yes I pray about a lot of things; I talk to God all day long; but what to spend my money on? Are we talking about my frequent stops for unsweet tea with lemon from McDonalds, going to the grocery store, shopping for new shoes, angel tree gifts at Christmas, my church pledge? I can definitely say I have prayed about my church pledge, but the day to day expenditures I have not. I never even thought about it. I would be interested in your comments about how often you pray about what you spend your money on?
Jesus’ example was for us to pray continuously so I think that must include “all” expenditures. For me, I think we should ask God to help us prioritize our budget, a budget that includes everything, what we use for ourselves and what we give away. We must seek God’s will and live it. He provides for us so we must use our wealth in ways that will glorify and honor him. To know what his will is and to discern how to use our wealth, we must read his word and talk to him in prayer. I will need to add another resolution for 2017, will you?
Prayer
O Gracious and heavenly Father. Please forgive us when we fall short of living our lives in a way that glorifies you in EVERYTHING we do. Helps us to keep our focus up, toward you and your will, not inward to what we think we need. We ask that you will continue to teach us to pray, as your son taught his disciples. Amen
Submitted by Sue McCoy
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