Pastor Franklin in his message on Sunday, cautioned us to keep ourselves in check when it comes to money and accepting gifts of money. How many of us have had a chance to receive gifts of money or earned extra money but never once asked God what He wanted us to do with it? Have we taken advantage of a situation as Elisha’s servant Gehazi did and made up an excuse for taking it for ourselves? In Luke 12:48, Jesus said to whom much is given, much will be required, and to whom much has been committed, of him more will be asked. What does that mean for us? It means that we have a responsibility to uphold the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in everything that we say and do, including how we handle financial resources and opportunities.

Consider Colossians 3:23. As followers of Jesus Christ it is our responsibility to glorify and magnify his name and cause people to ask for the reason for the hope that is in us. However, we cannot do that if we trust in material goods or money. No one can serve two masters because, according to Jesus, we will love one and hate the other or vice versa. So the question is, who or what do you trust?  

Who or what do we think about all the time? Are we consumed with worldly pleasures and riches or heavenly treasures? We are held accountable to God for everything we do. Are we going to be like the servant in the parable of talents who hid his talent, or are we going to multiply what He has given us and use it to glorify God? The choice is ours. Will we trust in Him to secure our future and provide us with blessings or not?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the clear reproof and warning in today's verse. I confess I am very good at mental gymnastics and possibly fooling myself in thinking my use of resources demonstrates trust in Jesus when there may be mixture, or worse, love and trust in the world and its riches. Father, shine Your light in every corner of my heart. Reveal the truth and convict me. I want to be pure and holy in my trust in You. Help me to see wealth and things of this world as nothing more than tools to be used to advance Your kingdom and not to be hoarded for my comfort, convenience, or security. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

News reports regularly tell of people taken suddenly in the prime of life, including rich people, successful people. Today, let us humbly remember that we all have a certain amount of time on earth. Let us thank God for His blessings and be mindful to store up treasure in heaven. (Matthew 6:20)