Earning a living. Something we all have to do in life. We don't always want to go to work because we miss out on other things going on with our family and friends. If we don't work, then we can't buy the things we want or need to survive. Some of us make more than others for what ever reason, but money doesn't make the person any better or worse. We just need to remember to keep God first in our life.
We are told in the Scriptures that we can't serve God and money. We will either love the one or love the other, we can't love both. When we work, our wages are due to us. When you work you want to be paid and not have your employer hold them back from you. They should pay you what you have earned.
When John was talking to the tax collectors about baptism, they ask Him what they should do.
Luke;3:12-13(And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher,what shall we do?" And he said to them "Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.")
Some soldiers also ask him.
Luke;3:14(Some soldiers were questioning him, saying "And what about us, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.")
So here we are instructed to have integrity in our everyday dealings with people and our work.
Many times people think that they can buy their way through life because they have money. They want to buy what isn't for sale. Honor, integrity, good character, a good reputation, health, eternal life. You get the picture, and you may know someone. God tells us who we should love. And He tells us what we shouldn't love.
1Timothy;6:6-8(But Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.) So here we are shown to be happy with what we have from God, He will take care of us.
[What not to long for in life]
1Timothy;6:9-11(But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.) It doesn't mean that you can't have money, but you are not to have the love of money in your heart.
[Treasures Of The Heart]
Matthew;6:19-21(Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth or rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.)
We are told in the Scriptures that the earth will be burned up with fire, so we need to build treasures in heaven.
2Peter;3:10(But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.) So this tells us where we should be storing up our treasures.
[Can't Serve Two Masters]
Luke;16:13("No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.")
We should be putting our time and efforts into God's work, where we will receive rewards from Him. These will last for ever, not what we put away here on earth. God tells us that He knows what we need here on earth and He will supply it. He also tells us where we should keep our focus.
Matthew;6:33-34(But seek first His kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.)
So our wealth is in heaven, not here on earth. It's easy to fall into the trap of "just a little bit more". We have probably all fallen for it sometime or other in our life. We see other people have all the earthly goods and think they must be happy. But have you ever thought whether they have peace in their life. Earthly goods will not bring happiness. Having Jesus Christ as your Savior, now that is happiness. You don't have to worry about tomorrow, because you have a mansion in heaven waiting for you when you go home to be with the Lord.
So start today to put your treasures where they will last. You still need to work here on earth to survive, but put the importance of God and His will first in your life. We only have so many years allotted to us here on earth, so make the most of them. Worship God and Him only. He will not take second place in our life.
God Bless You!
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