You might ask what money and spiritual fruitfulness have in common. I used to question that myself. I’ve always thought that giving is good and we need to take care of each other. But I did not see what it had to do with spiritual fruitfulness.
Martin Luther has said “There are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, mind, and the purse.” For a long time I did not particularly like this quote. But now I see its value.

You all remember the parable of the sower (Matthew 13). How some seeds fell on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil. They represent ways how people respond to Jesus’ ministry. There are variety of factors hindering accepting and following Jesus. They are all very important but today I want to talk about this one:

As for the seed that was spread among thorny plants, this refers to those who hear the word, but the worries of this life and the false appeal of wealth choke the word, and it bears no fruit. (Matthew 13:22, CEB, emphasis added)

The false appeal of wealth can hinder us from hearing Jesus.
The lure of wealth can keep us from bearing spiritual fruit.
Money can lure us from living in Christ.

Lord, have mercy!

Money and spiritual fruitfulness are strongly connected. Jesus said so.

We can get – especially in this holiday season – can get so carried away with wanting, spending, and getting that there is no room for the Child. We can be so taken by materialistic things that we forget that we are spiritual souls. We can become so thrilled of beautiful products that represent our dream lifestyle that we forget anything that contradicts it.

But the plain truth is that only those who overcome – by God’s grace – the temptations of riches can grow in their spiritual life.

I feel called to repent and open my purse to the Lord. I feel called to bring this issue to the Lord and ask what this means to me, how God wants me to live this out in my life. I feel called to ask you to join me in reflecting on this matter.

I don’t think the timing of this reminder is an accident.

Do our holiday plans reflect God’s heart?
Do our spending habits glorify God?
Do we use our resources – money, time, talents – according to God’s will?

 

Gracious God,
We repent our stinginess and selfishness.
Don’t let the false appeal of wealth choke your word in us!
We want to love and live extravagantly like you!
Show us how we should use the resources you’ve given to us.
Don’t let anything hinder us from bearing fruit for you!
Show us what it means to have abundant life in you!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: What do you think? Does money and Jesus have anything to do with each other?

Blessings to you, fellow pilgrim, as you learn to surrender you heart, mind, and purse to Jesus!

Image courtesy of Filip Olegeanu. Linking up today with What’s on Your Heart Tuesdays & Soli Deo Gloria& Hear it & Use it.