READ: Proverbs 6:1-3, 11:15, 17:18, 22:26-27
There are many
ways that money can lead us into a trap. Today, we’ll look at two specific
ways. First, out of greed or a desire to get ahead in life really fast (even
with good motives – “to give more”), we can try to take shortcuts. One such
shortcut is to enter into financial partnerships with people who have not
chosen to live out consistent godliness. Proverbs warns of this and the amount
of stress this can create in our lives is massive. Such unwise financial
partnerships can involve entrusting ourselves to the wrong employer, starting a
business with the wrong people, or seeking assistance from people without
clearly agreeing on the cost of labor, etc. So often a good deal ends up being
a bad deal!
A second trap is
to continue to provide financial support or security for someone who has an
unrepentant heart. Or as Proverbs says, “do
not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;
if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under
you” (22:26-27). Why would we get ourselves in such trouble? At times, we can
commit to false compassion. We feel
guilty about a person’s situation and don’t want to be accused of not caring.
However, in reality, our false compassion is actually an act of selfishness and
not out of love. It’s about how WE feel, not what’s best for the person.
There are other
traps we can fall into with money. Our awareness of this should cause us to
carefully consider our use of almost every dollar or things we have. Proverbs
encourages us to be wise in this way.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Have
you ever taken shortcuts in attempt to get ahead really fast? Have you ever
made poor financial decisions that caused you stress? If yes, try to reflect on
what went wrong at this time.
2.
Ask
God if there are people that you’re showing false
compassion towards. Are there people that you are helping because you feel
guilty? Are there people who need to experience the consequences of their
choices? Since there’s no formula on what we should and shouldn’t do, make sure
that you diligently pursue God for His heart.
