Hope in God, Not Your Bank Account by Rick Warren Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17 NIV) The only thing in all of creation that worries is human beings. Plants dont worry. Animals dont worry. Only human beings act as if we dont have a heavenly Father. When you worry about your finances, youre basically saying, I think God is a liar. I dont really think he will meet my needs.” But God will, if you meet the conditions. When I was a kid, Id go to my dad and say, Dad, I need some money.” Not once when I was growing up did I ever wonder, Where is he going to get it?” Its kind of an unwritten rule: Dads make it, and kids spend it. Kids never wonder, “Where is my dad going to get this money?” I never worried about it. Worry is really a form of atheism. Every time you worry, youre basically saying, I dont believe theres a God who is going to take care of me.” If youre a Christian and you worry, youre acting like an orphan. Youre acting like you dont have a heavenly Father who has already promised over and over again in Scripture, I will meet your needs if you will obey me and do what I tell you to do.” Trust forces you to live by faith. Worry is a warning light. Every time you worry about your finances, its a warning that you doubt that God loves you and will take care of you. We always get into trouble when we doubt Gods love. Always. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (NLT). As long as you love anything more than God, that thing is going to be a source of anxiety. There was one thing meant for first place in your life, and its not your family. Anything you put first in your life besides God will create anxiety, because that thing can always be lost. Your bank account is not your security, no matter how big it gets. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:17, Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (NIV). Put your hope in God, because he will assume responsibility for your needs if youll trust him. Talk It Over Is there anything that you love more than God? Is your answer obvious to everyone else by the way you live your life? In times of economic recession or financial need, in what or whom do you put your hope? *** *** ***
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:54:08 +0000
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