One thing our society lacks is a feeling of contentment. The song, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," by the Rolling Stones is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time and accurately reflects the attitude of western culture. If we were truly satisfied, then there would not be this desire in us to accumulate the latest and greatest things. The way we spend our time and our money demonstrates our lack of fulfillment. When believers behave in this way we misrepresent our Lord who is sufficient. John Piper asserted, "If Christ is an all-satisfying treasure and promises to provide all our needs, even through famine and nakedness, then to live as though we had all the same values as the world would betray him.”
Last night, in Youth, we discussed that the Bible never says it is wrong to be wealthy. The problem is when a love for money precedes a love for God. I reminded our young people that loving anything more than God is idolatry. A practical way to measure whether ones love for money is too strong is to examine the checkbook to see how money is being spent.
Last night, in Youth, we discussed that the Bible never says it is wrong to be wealthy. The problem is when a love for money precedes a love for God. I reminded our young people that loving anything more than God is idolatry. A practical way to measure whether ones love for money is too strong is to examine the checkbook to see how money is being spent.
In an attempt to avoid the temptations that accompany wealth, some believers have chosen to take a vow of poverty as an extreme act of devotion toward God. Although this act is glorifying to God, it is not, however, the only alternative. Piper suggests that money can be used to “make people glad in God.” In order for this to occur, he asserts, “Our lives must look as if God, not possessions, is our joy.” According to Piper, “Using our possessions in a way that makes the most needy glad in God would save us in more ways than one. It would confirm that Christ is our Treasure, and thus keep us on the path to heaven. And it would transform our society, which is driven by the suicidal craving to satisfy itself with no joy in Christ and no love for the needy.”
Piper, John. Don't Waste Your Life. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 107-114.
