Bible on Money cont'd

Okay, I won't be posting the article because it's like a trillion pages long and I don't want it taking up my precious blog real estate. But, I will post a quote from the author which pretty much sums up what he's trying to say. Needless to say, there are many verses that say to save our money and prepare for rainy days and to support family: Proverbs 6:6-8, 21:20, Mark 7:9-13, 1 Timothy 5:8. But, Scripture has verses that seem to run counter to that idea: Matthew 6:19-26, Luke 12:33, 14:33.

The author makes his sharpest point here: "Most clearly, when sending out his disciples on their first missionary campaign, Jesus ordered his disciples to 'Take nothing for the journey - no staff, no bag, no bread, no extra tunic' (Luke 9:3); and yet, with the crucifixion looming, he gave precisely the opposite instruction (Luke 22:36). With the onset of persecution and hostility, a different attitude towards possessions was needed."

Jesus Himself gave conflicting orders to the same disciples in different circumstances. This is the biggest support, in my opinion, to examine our own circumstance and see where God has called us specifically. Has He called you to missions? Then, chances are you will not be managing your own personal portfolio of millions of dollars. You will be financed by someone else, who, in particular, has been called to make some money in order to finance your missions. A big cycle. The big question is: Does it matter to us which person we are - the poor missionary 'financee' or the wealthy CEO 'financer'? Both have it's ups and downs: the missionary will struggle with doubts on getting financing, he will battle demonic influence on his hearers, barring the gospel from being received, he will battle personal conflicts with other missionaries who want to do things their way, he will battle with language and cultural barriers. On the other hand, the CEO will battle long hours at the office away from his family, he will struggle with the immense responsibility of providing jobs for people and keeping people happy, and the responsibility he has to the missionary to fund his mission efforts, he will battle with workplace tensions, temptations, and taxes. Both have pros, both have cons. Each duty is to the Lord.

All the more reason to have a personal, daily relationship with Jesus Christ, so that He can direct you where you will be most utilized for His Kingdom, even when His own words in Scripture seem to be confusing sometimes.