In these unprecedented times of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the economies of the world are stumbling and struggling, as the lockdown restrictions impact the workforce. Apart from front line workers, who are working as normal, most people have experienced disruption in their normal pattern of work. Some people are working from home, many are on furlough, and many have lost their jobs. This is not a profitable season in monetary terms and profits will not be at the expected levels.
The Bible cautions us about how profits are obtained, and clearly states that profit should not be at the expense of the poor. “Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.” Proverbs 28:8
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his disciples and followers together with the crowd that gathered to listen to him, about treasure in heaven. In Matthew 6:19-24 (TPT) we read:
“Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure.
“The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light to enter into your being. If your heart is unclouded, the light floods in! But if your eyes are focused on money, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. How profound will be the darkness within you if the light of truth cannot enter!
“How could you worship two gods at the same time? You will have to hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t worship the true God while enslaved to the god of money!”
Lockdown provides us with an opportunity to pause, rest and recharge! It can give us an opportunity to review and reflect and to welcome new rhythms of daily life and to reset expectations.
Bearing this in mind, I would like to invite you to read the above passage a few times prayerfully and meditatively. Notice any words or phrases or sentences which stand out for you today and take a moment to ponder on them and see what God will show you through them.
Then taking the concept of profit in terms of gain, or benefit or advantage, I would like to invite you, to draw either a seesaw or a set of scales.
- Then, consider the activities/pastimes that bring you reward here and now and write them on one end of the seesaw/side of the scales
- Then consider the activities/pastimes that you currently do here and now which will be rewarded in heaven, and write them on the other end of the seesaw/side of the scales.
Dr Brian Simmons in the footnotes to Matthew 6:19-24(TPT) writes:
“Heavenly treasures are eternal realities, such as loving others and doing good, revealing truth, and bringing Christ’s light to the lost. None of these “treasures” can be stolen or ever lose their value.”
When you have allotted your activities/pastimes to each end of the seesaw/scales, take a moment or two to prayerfully reflect on the balance. Before seeking God’s guidance and wisdom, on how to redress any imbalance.