Good use for Money
‘I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings’ Luke 16:9
Money isn’t in itself evil but the love of money certainly is (1 Timothy 6:10). Money is a good servant but terrible master.
In the following verses to the one above Jesus went on to explain the need to be faithful in every aspect of how we handle money (Luke 16:10-12).
The best way money can be used is to bring people to salvation. This plain meaning of the text can be applied on three levels.
The first level is nationally to Israel. As Jesus neared Jerusalem for this final time, He increasingly challenged the nation. His parables are more and more aimed at Israel. God’s purpose was never that the nation’s blessing be squandered on itself. Israel was called to ‘a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth’ (Isaiah 49:6). Israel, like the manager in the parable Jesus had just shared, was under threat of instant dismissal (Luke 16:2). The master was calling for a reckoning. God was asking what the nation had done ‘to bring my salvation to the ends of the earth’?
The second level is personally. What part of your giving is directed to evangelism? Do you use your money to be a more effective witness for Christ? Do you ever buy evangelism tools to give away – books, DVD’s, CD’s, tracts? Do you ever invite others to events where the gospel will be shared and cover any costs for those you invite?
The final level relates to the church. In turbulent times the church needs to reassess what really matters and what doesn’t. Does evangelism have a place in your church? How much of the church’s income is effectively used to train and equip God’s people to share their faith? How can we do it better? Does the state of our church concern us or are we content to just meander on?
Jesus has called His church to take up Israel’s mantle as ‘the light of the world’ (Matthew 5:14). Israel was held accountable and so will we be.
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