RICHES

"Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten" (James 5:2).

 

Do you ever feel like your money is disappearing faster than you can earn it? Our culture values wealth, in part because wealth provides a perceived sense of security and well-being. All of us would prefer to have a lot of money at our disposal as opposed to living in financial need. We believe that wealth equals security. God, on the other hand, insists that He alone is our security and that if we put our trust in stuff--then we will end up miserable. James says that misery is coming upon the rich (see 5:1) because their riches have rotted. We live in a day when we see the reality of financial futility. The stock market in a single day can destroy one's life-savings (or perhaps a car repair). The alternative to trusting in your stuff is to trust God with your stuff--to invest in God's kingdom with your resources and to trust that God will provide for your needs. He has promised to open up the windows of heaven and to pour out blessings upon you in response to your kingdom investments (Malachi 3:8-12).

 

What will you invest in this week? Will you commit to give God a tenth of all that He gives you? Tina and I have found that our money goes farther and lasts longer when we are faithful to give God his share first. By the way, you don't have to wait until Sunday to give. The very moment that you get paid or that you receive resources, you can immediately go online and invest in the kingdom of God through Grace River or some other ministry that you care about. Give it a try today.