READ: Proverbs 11:18, 16:8, 21:17
Since money
creates many possibilities for us, Proverbs warns of using improper and ungodly
means to obtain more money and stuff. It’s another trap we can fall into, or in
the words of Proverbs, “the wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows
righteousness gets a sure reward” (11:18).
What do we want? Money that comes from wickedness, which is fleeting, or
the SURE reward that God promises? We may cringe a bit at the use of the word,
“wickedness”, but to obtain money in improper ways is wickedness in God’s eyes.
This should humble us all.
The starting
point in steering clear of this trap is to make sure that we have right motives
about money. What is our goal for money? Proverbs warns that personal pleasure
cannot be our goal, “whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man . . .” (21:17).
When we seek personal pleasure through money and stuff we’re saying loud and
clear – “God is lacking.” Greed, is idolatry, the Bible declares. We must ask
God to forgive us if we’ve fallen into this, an easy thing to do in our
culture.
Once our motive
is right, much is taken care of. But we still must guard our hearts and watch
for the temptations to gain money through deceit, stealing, or other forms of
ungodliness. One day God will reward us greatly
if we remain faithful to doing things His way.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Take
some time to consider this question – is my hope in stuff and money, or in God?
What do your emotions, your desires, your bank account say about this? What
would those who are close to you say?
2.
Have
you ever stolen from a workplace, or not reported all of your income on your
taxes? Have you ever not paid someone what they deserved for work they did?
These are ungodly ways of obtaining money. Spend time in confession and
repentance, asking God to show you if there are any steps to make things right.
