Jun 20, 2022
A popular comedian once said, “If money talks, all it ever
says to me is good-bye!” Can you relate? With an
uncertain economy looming and rising prices on just about every
commodity, it probably feels like we hardly get a chance to know
our paychecks before they pack their bags!
If your money could talk what would it say? What would it say
about your life? Your values? Your faith?
Have you ever heard of The Ring Lady? When Mount
Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, one rich young woman did not flee like
most residents. She stayed behind collecting as much jewelry as she
could carry rather than escape by boat. Her rings went on her
fingers, she didn’t have time to pick up a bag but rushed into the
street clutching her pearls and rubies, gold brooches and
earrings.
Poisonous fumes overcame her, she fell and died and remained under
the ashes until in 1981 archaeologists found “The Ring Lady”
preserved with her hands still laden with the jewels that cost her
everything to hold onto.
Whether you realize it or not, what you are holding on to tells a
story about what is valuable in your life, it tells a story of your
faith.
As James begins to wrap up his letter, he addresses a serious
issue for the Christians he is writing to: How they are
using their money is revealing their lack of faith in
God. He writes these scathing words:
"You have lived luxuriously on the earth and have indulged
yourselves. You have fattened your hearts in a day of
slaughter." James 5:5
The way they were using their money revealed how little faith they
had in God. Instead, they were using their money in a way
that demonstrated that their trust wasn't in God, but
themselves. James points out the foolishness of this choice
because judgement was quickly approaching, and everything would be
gone. Sobering thoughts, yes?
Instead of quickly dismissing this teaching because you aren't
rich, maybe take a moment and consider what your money management
is saying about your faith in God. If your money could talk,
what would it say?
If you want to learn a practical plan for how to grow your faith
with your money, make sure and check out part nine of All Day,
Every Day...we know you will find it to be very helpful!