Is Money Our Servant Or Our Master?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV, Paul exhorted young Timothy to “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.“
Millionaires’ Fate
In the aftermath of the sinking of the ill-fated Titanic, reports noted that eleven millionaires had been among the hundreds on board who went to a watery grave in April 1912. Their combined wealth totaled nearly two hundred million dollars. Yet if these millionaires could have sent a message to the living about the most important things in life, not one would have mentioned money.
Newspapers also reported that Major A.H. Peuchen of Toronto, who was a survivor of the tragedy, had left more than three hundred thousand dollars in money, jewelry, and securities in his cabin. He started back for the box when evacuation efforts began, but then thought an instant and quickly turned away. Later he said, “The money seemed a mockery at that time – I picked up three oranges instead.”
Money is intended to serve us, not to rule us!
Margeurite Jackson, an Indianapolis widow, was ruled by her wealth. She lived in constant fear that her money would be stolen. When she died, more than five million dollars was found in her home! The money, one report concluded, “had brought Mrs. Jackson nothing but a life of private terror.”
Conclusion:
How are we regarding our money today? Is it a tool, or a crutch? A prison, or a key? Our servant or our master?
Let us regard money as the Proverb writer did (Proverbs 23:5) and follow our Lord’s directive concerning our “treasures” (Matthew 6:19-20).