Fri/Sat/Sun—October 27–29•We Must Choose Sides “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:13) A congressman from Mississippi during the age of prohibition was asked about his attitude toward whiskey. He replied, “Well, if you mean that demon drink that poisons the mind, pollutes the body, desecrates family life and inflames sinners, then I’m against it. But if you mean the elixir of Christmas cheer, the shield against a cold winter chill, or that taxable potion that puts needed funds into the public funds to comfort little crippled children, then I’m for it. That is my position, and I will not compromise.” That man was sitting on the fence, so to speak. Jesus says his followers cannot sit on the fence. His statement doesn’t say it’s improbable or implausible for a man to serve both God and money. He says it’s impossible. When I was young, I adopted a life credo saying money would solve all my problems and success would make me happy. Everyone thinks money will make them happy, till they realize it doesn’t. The hardest lessons are the ones we already know but don’t apply. My second error was in assuming I could have “the best of both worlds.” I thought I could have all the benefits of God’s true eternal riches, and also all the benefits of worldly wealth. I tried building God’s Kingdom on a shaky foundation of earthly wisdom, because I still wanted to serve both God and money. Over time I discovered the truth of God’s admonition that I should seek first His Kingdom, and trust Him for my provision. (See Matthew 6:33.) When I honor God with my finances, He honors me and provides for me. WEEK Week 3 In life, have you been “sitting on the fence,” and what are you going to do about it? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 51:1–52:34, Lamentations 1:1–2:22, Titus 2:1–3:15, Psalm 99:1–101:8, Proverbs 26:17–20 FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP October 23–29 List the ways you have been blessed with finances in your life. ■ Talk with your family about how you could be generous with your finances. 27
20514 Man in Mirror
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