How many times do we ask ourselves this question. Is God fake or real? Is that person rich or not? Is religion and church real or fake? Those people are so “fake.” We’ve been there before right, we all have.. Well, before I embark upon the financial journey I’m going to discuss today, let me clarify one thing. Money is not a bad thing, it’s the love of money according to God’s word. So do not think I’m saying money or having money is a sin or otherwise. Please keep this in context and allow God to work in your life..
One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be
poor, yet has great wealth. Proverbs 13:7
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served
created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised.
Romans 1:25
See, money promises only temporary things. It’s not everlasting because as soon as the money runs out, we’re struggling, unhappy and fall into depression. It tries to bring us happiness but the happiness is only short-lived, temporary if you will. It offers security. As long as we have enough, then everything will be ok-secure.. Truth be known, there’s no security in a monetary and tangible items. The last thing it tries to offer, is significance. You’re someone if you have enough money, you can have and be all you want. The world however, has taught us this in very subtle and in-subtle ways. Look how we treat famous singers, baseball, football and basketball players, cyclists, religious figures and many more. Just pay attention and notice how they treat people who are famous and have money; there you have it.
**WE TRUST MONEY FOR HAPPINESS..
–WE DON’T KNOW WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST.
**WE TRUST MONEY TO MAKE US SIGNIFICANT..
– WE DON’T KNOW WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST.
**WE BELIEVE MONEY WILL MAKE US SECURE.
–WE TRUST IN MONEY AND NOT IN CHRIST.
However, look at what God says about where you find happiness and peace:
–TRUE HAPPINESS, SIGNIFICANCE AND SECURITY
ARE FOUND IN CHRIST ALONE.
I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ.
Philippians 3:7-8
Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be
somebody and have no food.
Proverbs 12:9
I found these two verses which are interesting. I have lost ALL things. I consider them rubbish so that I may gain Christ-we have to consider all things rubbish. Not saying we give away all things, or neglect the things we do have, but we must get over treating the things of this earth as our “gods.” We must stop worshiping our jobs, money, boats, cars, lifestyle and put all that aside to gain Christ. We can’t place all of these things in the forefront of our life and expect God to squeeze in whenever we “call upon His name” or we “need Him.”
Look at the second verse, isn’t it interesting? It’s better to be a nobody yet have a servant, than pretend to be somebody and have nothing! Wow, some strong statements but God is referencing to the sheer ability to be humble. To be humble means to be in the back and working in the front-yet receive no acknowledgement. Sometime not saying something was yours while someone else is lifted high in that position. That may mean not speaking up at times you think you should and speaking up when times you think you shouldn’t. It’s tough I know, but sometimes the real you must come out-despite what everyone else says. Being a Christ follower is tough, against the flow of “normal” traffic and different than anything you’ve ever done or will do in your life.. The payoffs however, is worth your life.
So what is real or fake in your life? Are you busy pointing out others who are fake that you fail to recognize your own? God says to bring things to the light, be honest and seek Him. Seeking Him is the only way you’ll find peace and joy, nothing else will do or will fit in your life. Jesus my friends, is the REAL thing-do you believe it??
