November 14: Luke 18 18-27

Key Verse: Luke 18 22
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Devotion:
Some see this passage as a command for us all to sell everything we have and give it all to the poor and needy. But that is not what is meant through these words. Jesus was challenging the rich ruler because of his love for money and riches; Jesus knew it was a stumbling block for the ruler and wanted him to realise that. If we treat riches and wealth in the same way as this rich ruler, then we should expect the same response from Jesus!

Don’t lose focus on your life with Christ just so you can gain a little bit more money or build up your wealth. God would rather you focus on Him and leave the decisions to Him with regards to your wealth. Entrusting your wealth into the hands of the one who allowed you to gain it in the first place has got to be wise!

God has given us commandments to live by and expects us to obey those commandments, but unless we are willing to love our fellow human beings then we are still falling short of the mark. Sharing what you have with others does not mean selling up everything and giving it all away – it is far better to show someone kindness and teach them to be wise with their money than it is to flood them with wealth for which they have no appreciation.

I find it hard to not give money to other all the time, but when I see they do not have respect for what they have or are frivolous with what they gain, then I am more likely to try and show them how to have more respect for anything they have. We are all wealthy when we have the proper respect for the riches God allows into our lives – treat what He gives you with respect!

Points to Ponder:
Do you lend money to others all the time?

Do you expect it back along with interest?