By Don Francisco
In the Gospels, Jesus speaks about money more than any other topic. In one place He explains that God and Money (He calls it Mammon, a personification of money and the accumulation of it) are like two feudal lords-- and that it's impossible to be owned by them both. It's like you're someone with dual citizenship, but the two countries are at war: You have to choose which side you're on, where you'll live, and who you'll obey.

When an extremely wealthy man asked what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus told him to sell everything he had and give it to the poor. The man became very sad; it was obvious that was the last thing he wanted to do. Of course, he enjoyed his wealth and the freedom and power it gave him, the comforts and pleasures. But by his reaction, he showed that he was really enslaved by his money and possessions; he couldn't tear himself away from them even to save his soul. (When it comes down to it, none of us can save our own soul; only God can do that.)

Where is your 'treasure'? Is it in real estate, a retirement fund, a business, a well-paying job? Is your life motivated by and dedicated to building the Kingdom of God, or by protecting and building up a treasure on earth? You've only got two choices.

So how should a disciple of Jesus relate to money? Some people think money itself is evil. But in Deuteronomy, we are told that God gives his people the ability to make or get wealth in order to establish His covenant. In one of Jesus' parables, the lord commended his servants when they doubled the money he entrusted to them, condemning the one who did nothing. Paul reminded the believers in Corinth that God was quite able to supply more than they needed so that there would be "an abundance for every good work".

Poverty is a curse, not a blessing. God desires that His people have all that they need and more, so that they can help others and can give to spread the Gospel on the earth-- to establish His covenant. He's given you the wisdom and the abilities to participate in the process, too-- it won't happen by sitting around waiting for that big check in the mail! He cautions you strongly, though, to be aware of where your heart is, and where you put your trust. And don't worry: He feeds the birds-- who don't work for any of it-- and He clothes even plants gloriously. Your Father loves you as much as he loves Jesus. You're worth far more to Him than anything else on earth. He'll take care of you, too. Abundantly. Believe it.