To all the rich of this world, I command you not to be wrapped in thoughts of pride over your prosperity, or rely on your wealth, for your riches are unreliable and nothing compared to the living God. Trust instead in the one who lavishes upon us all good things, fulfilling our every need. 1Timothy 6:17 TPT
Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! Ecclesiastes 5:10 NLT
In an age of consumerism and celebrity culture, money and wealth are a key feature.
The Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:17) remain as relevant today, as they were when they were written to the church at Ephesus. In our own century, the financial crash in 2008 and the Coronavirus global pandemic have had significant impact on the worldwide economy, with repercussions for individuals and communities.
Many have experienced the fragility of trusting in wealth as a form of security. The wealth of the world is nothing to God. So if your wealth increases, don’t be boastful or put your trust in your money. Psalm 62:10 TPT
Recently I have been reading The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist. It is a fascinating book which looks at the link between our attitudes towards money – how we earn it, spend it, give it away – and our feelings of sufficiency, fulfilment and purpose in our lives. Lynne Twist describes it as a book about, ‘living consciously, fully, and joyfully in our relationship with money and learning to understand and embrace its flow.’ It enables you to take a journey that ‘ aligns money and soul to transform your life.’
I read this book in Lockdown, during the Coronavirus pandemic. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on my money mindset and the views about money, which I had unconsciously absorbed from the adults in my life as I grew up. Placing these alongside the teaching from the Bible, enabled me to reflect and review my thoughts and feelings about money, wealth and treasures in heaven! This resulted in an overwhelming recognition of just how incredibly faithful and generous God has been to me, as I have journeyed with Him, over the course of my life.
“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.”
Matthew 6:19-20 TPT
In the footnotes to Matthew 6:20 TPT Dr Brian Simmons describes ‘heavenly treasures’ as eternal realities such as, doing good, loving others, revealing truth and brining the light of Christ to the lost. These can neither be lost nor stolen.
Review and Reflect
As the Journey to Pentecost draws to a close, I would like to invite you to reflect back over The Journey and the different Ways we have considered. The Way of Worry, Waiting, Work, Worship and Wellness.
- What have you gained from these reflections?
- Have you encountered any challenges?
- Where have you found new insights?
- How have you been encouraged?
Listen
- It is Pentecost on Sunday. You can enter into the event, with the disciples, through this guided mediation: Empowering
- TED talk by Lynne Twist with two moving stories.