Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Today's scripture holds a promise and an appeal. Looking at the promise, the author echoes the words of assurance, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you," (Deut. 31:8) to Israel's children before claiming the promised land. Just as God had not forgotten them, he has not forgotten us. We are his children, and he loves and cares for us.
Knowing the promise, let's look at the command, "Keep your lives free from the love of money." He does not say to keep our lives free of money; we need money to pay for things like food, shelter, and clothing. The command is to live free from the "love of money."
But let's rephrase the text with a blank, substituting it with those things we hold most dear, the things that may come between us and God, the things that keep us from being content. "Keep your lives free from the love of _____ and be content."
God wants us to make him primary in our lives and be content with what we have. Do not let whatever is in that blank—money, sex, alcohol, drugs, even the church (gasp!)—come between God and us. I'm not talking about good, wholesome things, but the things we find a temptation, those things standing in our way.
Knowing that God has promised what we need, what unwholesome things in the blank are holding us back from the whole relationship he desires with us? Whatever they might be, go to God earnestly, humbly asking forgiveness and praying for hearts of contentment.
Precious God, we give thanks for your promise. We admit we are not always content with what we have. We feel compelled to have more, which distracts us from what is truly important: our relationship with you. Forgive us, and please help us to be content. In our doubt, help us trust in your promise. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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