“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5
Many people use this verse to promote a living of poverty mentality. It is often used against those who are rich financially. Notice, however, that the author does not say you cannot be rich with money. He just states don’t love money. In the original Greek language the word that the NIV uses for “not loving” the money is better translated as “without covetousness”. This is showing that one should not be coveting money.
Coveting something is desiring it with everything in you and being willing to do whatever it takes to get that something. In the Old Testament Law this was one of the sins directly listed in the Ten Commandments…to not covet. All over America and around the world you will see everyone striving to have more money. Get rich quick schemes abound everywhere getting the best of many people. The lottery sells millions of tickets every week to people trying to get rich. Many people work very long hard hours so that they can have the extra money for the extra car and large house and other expensive living. It is very easy to fall into this desire to want to have lots of money. Some people will say they want that money to do good for their family or to help other people out. Others are just wanting things for themselves.
However, the author tells us something different. You are to be content with what you have. This tells you not to constantly push to have more and do more and more all the time. The reason for being content is shown where he quotes Deuteronomy 31:6, where God says He will not leave you or forsake you. You are to look to God for all of your provisions. Looking to money will not help. Many of the wealthy people are fearful for their money. They fear someone stealing it, or the economy crashing, or how to invest it for a better return. Look back on history on how some lost millions of dollars when the stock market crashed. Money is only a temporary thing.
Look to God who is permanent. He will provide for your every need. He can provide housing, food, clothing, transportation, entertainment, work, purpose in life and everything else you may need. God may see a need to give you great wealth as He does to some, but then again He may not give it to you. Either way, with great wealth or without it, you must trust God for all of your provisions and needs and desires.
Today seek God for everything. Trust God for everything. Use what God has given you for His glory and to build His kingdom. Use the things of the world for His kingdoms, not just for personal gain. When you can do this, you will have more freedom in your life. You will not have to fear the economy crashing or someone stealing your possessions because you know God is in control and will provide all that is needed regardless of what is happening.
I pray that today God will help you to focus on Him; that God will help you to trust Him for all of your needs; that you will seek God for all of your needs; that you will not allow money or the desire for money to rule your life; and that God will help you to be content with what you have today.
Leave a Reply