Monday, September 24, 2007

Money For God?

Our title seems like a no brainer. But in reality, it always happen. It is interesting how man had developed since time immemorial. Man had created a powerful instrument in "money". Money represents one's riches, power, capacity etc. Only rivalled by "time", money ranks the highest in most human being's life.

Our regard for money is almost boundless. No, it is not true that it is the root of all evil. It is the love of it or wrong use of it that makes it evil. By itself, money is nothing. When used well, according to the will of our Creator, it can bring us to salvation. But when used badly, it can bring us to damnation.

With money, we can buy different things for comfort like a house, a car, a cellphone, a watch etc. We can use money to get somebody or even marry somebody. With money comes a lot of power, prestige and fame. In order to have more money, weare willing to make sacrifices. We sacrifice our health for money. Ulcers, hyper tensions, worries are worth the money! Professionals are willing to sacrifice their principles for money. Doctors would recommend procedures or medicines that are not necessary for a rich willing patient for greater professional fees. A lawyer is willing to defend or even free a guilty client for a fat legal fee. Government officials are willing to compromise their positions in exchange for money. Consciences are divided in order to accommodate an indecent proposal in exchange for money. Some are willing to kill and be killed for money. Etc. Etc. Etc.

The question of faith is this; for all of these sacrifices and offering of time and person to acquire money, are we willing to do the same for God? Are we willing to sacrifice our lives for love and faith in God? Are we willing to spend time for God the way we spend time to earn more money? Can God be as important as our regard for money? The choice is not really that easy after all.
No, it does not mean that we do not strive to earn money. Nor do we mean that money is evil. As I have said, it is the use of it that matters. The point is; does money serve us or do we serve it? Is it our slave or are we enslaved by it? In the Christian faith, God should have no rival.God is a jealous God. The first commandment is very clear, "You shall have no other God than Me!". God is first, everything comes second. When God is compromised, everything goes wrong! Yes, it should be God, but it must show in our lives. Our way of life must be guided by it. "You can not serve both God and mammon." One has to give way. The choice is ours!

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