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Serving God or Serving Money?
Brandon L. Burton
11 Aug 2006
The question that is about to follow is likely one of the most hard-hitting questions that faces you, your family, your friends, your community, and this nation. This question is not to be treated lightly. It is hoped that this question is treated soberly and prayerfully with an introspection that keeps your soul's eternity in mind. The following question runs contrary to popular opinion and belief here in America. Some might even wonder if this topic is un-American. For this question gets at the heart of American life. This question challenges a shared idea that most Americans strive to achieve. That idea is the “American Dream.” This theme of the American dream is a binding thread that gives most Americans something similar to share while so many Americans possess disparate traditions, languages, ideologies, cultural, and family backgrounds. The nation shaking question is this: How much time do you spend seeking money, and how much time do you spend seeking God?
If most any of us are honest, the answer to this question reveals the true spiritual condition about ourselves, our church, and our nation. The answer to this question for most can truly be shocking and disturbing. If the typical life of an adult American is any indication of the answer to this question, then the people of the church and this nation have some serious soul searching to do. The typical American spends 40 hours a week at work. Most people are at those jobs in order to earn money. For so many people, they attend church 1 hour a week. That is for those people who attend church at all. Just that information alone is frightening. How did America get to the place of spending 40 hours a week seeking money while spending 1 hour a week seeking God?
Admittedly, the 40 hour work week and 1 hour of church a week are broadly based. There are variations. It is understood that there are those who seek God outside of church. There are those who do spend significant time in prayer each week. There are those who spend a couple hours a week of studying the Bible. What about those who take time to listen to a brother or sister who is experiencing troubles in their life? That could be considered time seeking God out of obedience to Him by following His command to love thy neighbor. There are those whose work is their ministry.
What about the scriptures that point to Christians being diligent workers who honor God? Doesn't the Bible tell us to be hard workers, and doesn't the Bible rebuke laziness? Right! These things must be kept in perspective. Does the idea of the American dream keep the proper perspective on being a honest hard working citizen that is consistent with scriptures? These are the questions that need to be asked. With the current environment in America, can anyone honestly tell me that this society is keeping these Biblical principles about God, work, and money in proper perspective? The point here is not to engage in religious legalism. The point is to challenge the overall attitude and belief system that is so ingrained in American society. That attitude and core value is greed. It is the love of money which is reflected by how much of one's life is spent seeking money. The point is to challenge you to examine yourself by seeking God to see what your honest answer is to the question: how much time do you spend seeking money, and how much time do you spend seeking God?
1 Timothy 6:10 tells us: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (NIV) This greed the Bible talks about is such a core issue in this society that it permeates most aspects of life here in America. Who is immune from the spirit of greed? Do you covet the really nice car that your neighbor has? Do you find yourself coveting that nice big house in that nice neighborhood? Do you and your spouse work long hours over the months and years in order to get that “dream house?” Who are you living for if that is you who are constantly staying busy in order to have these possessions?
Yes, these questions are uncomfortable. These questions are actually Earth shaking. It is that time in the history of man where the Earth will be shaken. Christ will soon be returning, and you will not have forever to change your attitude about the time you spend seeking money and God. Lest it be considered excessively harsh to ask such questions, consider this parable from the scriptures:
“And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'
“Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”
“But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'
“This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21 (NIV)
That sounds eerily similar to life here in America. There are plenty of people who are able to prosper in this good land. It is most common to see people constantly seeking to have bigger and better things. This society embraces this as a sign of the good life. People say, look at him. He sure has made it. The quote from this scripture could easily be the American motto: “Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” Is this you? Is it your dream to have the “good life” of a bigger house, car, and boat? How about the choice vacation spots? Jesus addresses this attitude in Luke 12:15 “Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (NIV) How much time do you spend seeking these things, and how much time do you spend seeking God? The point here is not condemnation. The point here is repentance!
In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus significantly addresses this idea of serving God or money. In verse 21 He states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (NIV) Christ is talking about the condition of your heart here and what one loves and values. This verse comes in the context of Christ talking about possessions and the proper attitude of the heart which is the core of who you are. In verse 24, Christ goes on to state: “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (NIV) That is clearly spoken, and it does not require much exegesis to try to understand it's implication.
A troubling trend is infecting the American church. The materialism and greed of American society are infesting the church. Sadly, the culture seems to be influencing the church instead of the church influencing the culture. This is a troubling condition indeed. There are many churches that have a focus on and exploit the sin of greed for their own position and “success” in American society. Sadly, there are not that many people in the church who are challenging this destructive doctrine. Even for the leaders in churches who are not capitalizing on greed, they remain quiet because they know they will not be well received in their congregation. For some of these leaders, there is the fear that they will be run out of their job at their church if they speak up about greed. They are also afraid they will watch their church numbers decline by church members leaving if they speak up about the sin of greed and seeking riches and wealth.
There are even entire church movements that have a strong focus on seeking riches and wealth. This movement is often called the “health and wealth” movement, or it is sometimes referred to as the “health and prosperity” movement. One only has to turn on the tv to religious broadcasting on any given evening to witness this doctrine of health and prosperity in action. Sadly, it appears that those associated with this movement have no reservations about their exploitation of the fallen human sinful nature for their own personal gain.
Lest anyone think that greed is only infecting the crass appearing televangelist, many of the mainstream denominations give into teachings that promote greed. Of course, it is more subtly taught. Regardless of the subtleness of the teaching, the spirit of greed still seeps in. Look in the Christian bookstores. Notice the amount of books that focus on prosperity. There is a whole subculture within the church that focuses on prosperity. This subculture does not come across as crass, nor does it even come across as bold. There appears to some movement to moderate the nature of greed, but greed still seems to come through for those who seek gain. Phrases are commonly used to try to portray the love of money as something other than what it really is. Examples of these phrases are “being a good steward” and “you can't out give God.” Yes, those are noble sounding phrases that contain actual truths. A person cannot out give God, and it is Biblically sound and wise to responsibly handle the blessings God gives you. The problem is it does not appear that is how people are using these phases. It appears people in the church are using such phrases to justify their sinful behavior and hide behind spiritual sounding phrases.
So called financial experts in the church who promote this greedy subculture are quick to point out that God addresses financial matters in the Bible more than any other topic or issue. As to the veracity of such a claim, I cannot attest. I have not personally counted the number of topics addressed in the Bible; however, I am cautious whenever it comes to discussing financial gain. The places where I do find money discussed in scripture, it is a warning to not love and/or seek money. Even if money is the most talked about subject in the Bible, that does not grant a license to just go seek wealth and riches. The so called financial experts in the church are not presenting the topic in scripture as a warning about seeking riches, these experts come across as portraying the topic of money being presented in the Bible as a means to get rich and accumulate wealth. This approach appears to be a sort of rationalization for seeking after money.
In light of this troubling trend with greed in the church, it is important to point out a relevant scripture.
“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:3-9 (NIV)
This scripture certainly sounds like it is addressing this issues of greed infecting the church. Specifically, this scripture appears to be a warning for those who come to God as a means of trying to get rich. Let it not be so! Now is the time for repentance in the House of God! If this generation in the church hope to escape the chastening of the Lord, repentance must begin now. Let us now move onto Christ addressing the rich in the church. The condition of the rich in the church does not improve outside of repentance and restoration in Christ Jesus.
In the book of Revelation, Christ addresses the church in Laodicea. The Laodicean Church was the church that was about to be spit out of Christ's mouth due to their lukewarm condition. Here is something of concern regarding this lukewarm church: “You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Revelation 3:17 (NIV) After Christ warns them about their lukewarm condition that will result in their being spit out of His mouth, He goes on to say: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.” Revelations 3:19 (NIV) As can be found in the paper America's Discipline on GraceToFreedom.org, this discipline is a form of chastening. It can be argued that it is the judgement of God. The judgment mentioned here is a judgment that is done out of love in order to correct rebellious behavior. Let the warning stand, those who are in rebellion before God are called to repent. If repentance does not soon come, God may have to begin discipline in order to bring you and/or the church here in America to repentance.
There is another issue in the church that demands attention. It is a popular teaching that has crept into the church that is consistent with the manner in which greed has crept into the church. The popular teaching is based in Matthew chapter 19:
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only one who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”
“Which ones?” the man inquired.
Jesus replied, “ 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.' “
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I till you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked a them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:16-26 (NIV)
Obviously, there is much to this scripture that contain many important messages. For the purposes of this paper, it is the rich young man and Christ's addressing the rich that will be focused upon. There is such a strong warning in this message that should serve notice to Christians not to seek to become rich if that condition makes it hard to enter heaven. Further attention is called to a teaching that is popular in the church. I must confess that I had to repent for teaching others about this lesson that is in the church when it does not appear to be true. The teaching goes something like this, the eye of the needle referred to here is actually a gate in Jerusalem. It has been taught that this gate is a small gate that a camel can get through if it bows down and strips off any freight that it might be carrying. This story has gained a lot of traction in the church as indicated by being taught in many different churches for years. One day when studying the Bible regarding money and issues of wealth, I believe the Lord prompted me to actually research this story. What was found was surprising.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary reveals that the teaching of the eye of the needle being a gate is “suspect.” Here is a quote from the aforementioned commentary: “Interpretations that try to reduce the size of the camel or enlarge the needle's eye are suspect. There is no basis for the widely circulated tradition that the eye of the needle was the name of a gate in Jerusalem.” (Arnold, ed. 2002, vol. 1, p. 265) With this newly found information, it appears that that people in the western church have tried to find another way to lessen the the impact of what it appears Christ was actually trying to teach.
Is the American church becoming a “den of robbers?” Consider Jesus confronting the condition of the Temple in His day.
“Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “ 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers'” Matthew 21:12-13 (NIV)
This “den of robbers” would have a specific meaning to the people of that day. Bible scholars tell us that in the region of Israel in that day, thieves would have caves that they would hide in to accumulate their ill gotten gain and plot further ways to steal. These caves would also serve the purpose of providing a safe place from being caught while they engaged in their illegal activities. The people in the time of Christ were turning the Temple into this same sort of “den of robbers.” They were defiling The House of Prayer with their greed and plans of exploitation. They were able to hide in the Temple as a cover to their immoral behavior. Does any of this sound familiar? How many people are hiding in the American church as a cover to their greed and accumulating wealth in an immoral way?
Jesus Christ's actions are extremely telling in how He views this greedy immoral behavior. In modern times, there appears to be a tendency to portray Christ as always being just a quiet teacher who never became angry. This passage of scripture would indicate otherwise! Christ was upset enough with this situation in the Temple that He began to overturn the tables and benches of these people who were seeking financial gain in The Temple of God. Does this picture of Christ fit with modern interpretations of Christ and how He treats sin? I am rapidly coming to the belief that unless the American church repents, Christ will begin to overturn our tables and benches.
There appears a further lesson to glean from this passage of scripture. In verse 14, The Bible tells us: “The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.” Matthew 21:14 (NIV) Christ's actions were to drive out the sinful greedy behavior from the midst of the church as He then brought in the blind and lame to heal them. Does this resemble the American church? In some places, yes. In far too many places, the answer is sadly no. There are even far too many stories here in America where the gifts of God are being sold! God forbid! Can you imagine the power of the church here in America if there was mass repentance of this greedy behavior? Can you imagine the power of a church where the greedy thieves repented or were driven out, and they were replaced with the broken people of our society who were being freely healed and restored?
Events are recorded in the early church that reveal that God did not treat such matters of greed and dishonesty lightly. To set the stage, it is recorded in the book of Acts how the believers of the early church shared their possessions:
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.” Acts 4:32-35 (NIV)
Here the book of Acts details the selfless and giving nature of the early church. Can you imagine the condition of the early church as mentioned here where The Bible states “There were no needy persons among them.” Does that sound anything like the American church today? It appears here that the scriptures give us a model of behavior for the church. This serves as an example of the believers not being selfish and greedy. What happens in the early church when greed and deception enters?
If the picture of Christ overturning the tables in the Temple comes across as strong, then God's method of dealing with greed and deception in the early church can be downright frightening. Let's explore the relevant scripture from the book of Acts:
“Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also a sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”
When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body and carried him out and buried him.
About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in, and finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” Acts 5:1-11 (NIV)
Wow! What a hard teaching! It is clear from this scripture that the Living God did not treat deception and greed lightly. It is clear that deception is a part of this picture. These two souls lied to the Holy Spirit, and God will not be mocked. God sent a clear message at the outset of the church that He would not treat sin lightly. It can be argued from this scripture that the lies told by Ananias and Sapphira were an outgrowth of their greed. It appears that greed was the seed that led them to attempt to foist a lie upon the early church and God. Obviously, this attempt at deception failed. Remember, scripture also reminds us “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV) It can be argued from this verse that Ananias and Sapphira had greed as the root to their attempted deception. It can also be argued that those who are full of greed are deceived themselves. Remember the church of Laodicea in the book of Revelation? The members of the Laodicean church were deluded by their own riches and greed. They actually thought they had need of nothing. They could not even see the truth of their need for Christ and their need of repentance for their poor spiritual condition.
While the focus here has been on the teachings of the New Testament, greed and the desire of material possessions have been around since the beginning of time. In the Old Testament, we find the story of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis. Cain was rebuked by God in the wake of the offering that he and his brother had made to the Lord. Of course you know the story of how Cain murdered his brother after he had fallen into disfavor with God for his offering that was found lacking. Genesis 4:3-5 tells us: “In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor,. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.” (NIV) Yet again a passage of scripture that contains many important themes that are not limited to money and riches; however, the role of material possessions in this passage is not to be overlooked as it does have relevance to this overall topic. It appears that at the outset of this whole sordid affair, seeking to hold onto material possessions played a pivotal role. There appears to be a noticeable distinction between the offerings of Abel and that of Cain's. The scripture reveals how “Abel brought fat portions..” (v. 4) while it appears that Cain did not. The Bible reveals that Cain did bring an offering, but this apparently points to a deeper condition of his heart. He apparently did not bring a choice offering from faith in his heart. It appears that he did not want to part with the fat portions of his possessions. It looks as if greed and desire for riches rears it's ugly head here. From the beginning of recorded time, this harboring of love for possessions and riches (also know as greed) has been a significant condition of the human heart. Accordingly, God has confronted this spiritual condition since the earliest days of recorded time.
Now that the love of money and material possessions has been explored in The Bible from the earliest of times, now let us move to explore what The Bible has to say about the love of money in the end of times. 2 Timothy chapter 3 gives us some idea:
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lover of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lover of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV)
There near the top of this list is the love of money referenced yet again. This is listed in this roll call of evil that is to be characteristic of the last days. Yes the Bible does mention money yet again, but The Bible mentions money in the context of loving money being a gross sin. It should also be noted that so many of these characteristics are identifying the time in which we live. This makes it all the more important to seek God and repent in this season while we still can. The return of Christ is drawing ever so near. Please join me in prayer that the church here in America will turn it's heart to Christ and repent where we have fallen short.
In light of such powerful scriptures, let this question be asked yet again: How much time do you spend seeking money, and how much time do you spend seeking God? It really is a earth shaking question if you really consider it. Imagine if the whole American church honestly examined themselves in prayer with this question in mind. Imagine what America would look like if this question could take root in the fiber of society. What would happen if people worked 25 hours a week to make money instead of 40? What would happen if in that other 15 hours a week people would seek God? Can you imagine how the society would be reshaped? What if most to all of the believers in the American church were to hear the call of God on their lives and actually enter into ministry in whatever way God is calling them as their 40 hour a week job? What if there are people who are actually called to work 40 hours a week in order to make vast amounts of money? The difference being here is that these people would be called to make the money to share it as God would lead them instead of gaining the wealth out of selfish reasons? How many houses are enough? How many cars are enough? How big does the boat really need to be? How big does the church building really need to be? Is the large church building being built to honor and glorify Christ Jesus, or is the church building being built to boost the ego and pride of the pastor, leaders, elders, and members of that congregation?
Can you imagine a nation who sought God more than they sought money? Where will the income to survive come from, you ask? I ask, where is the income going? What percentage of the American income is going to a bloated governmental bureaucracy that inefficiently handles money trying to do the job that the church should be doing? How much money is lost in this nation as a result of it's people not seeking God? How much money is lost to it's young people using drugs and destroying their health through fornication and the resultant diseases? How many billions of dollars are spent on health care alone that is a consequences of peoples' sinful behavior that directly impact their health? How much does it cost that a massive part of the population is lost and destroying itself as a result of the church being too busy seeking money instead of taking the time to seek God and love your neighbor? The lost and dying population needs the light and salt of the church to spend time with them out of love and faith in order to disciple them and teach them the ways of God. These lost people might also be more receptive to the Gospel from the American church if they did not see on a constant basis the gross hypocrisy of a church who claims to be seeking and worshiping Christ while they are actually seeking and worshiping money! Back to the point, how much money is lost due to the church not doing what it is called to do? Let us cast off the American Dream that is the love of money, and let us redeem the American Dream to “love God, and love your neighbor.”
Please do not miss the point in all of this. It is understood that not all people or congregations in the American church are worshiping money. There are many who are pouring out their lives in order to serve Christ. They do need the help of the rest of the church. They do not need more so called ministers who are trying to raise money so they can brag about how they now have a private jet. Are there times when God may provide superior transportation? There well may be. The point here is not religious legalism. The point is the condition of the heart before a loving and holy God. It is so very important to point out that the calling here is not for condemnation. The calling here is for repentance! God is full of grace, mercy, and love. He is waiting and willing to forgive and forget all who seek and ask Him.
If you have found yourself to be idolizing money in your life, confess the sin. God will forgive. Ask him to help you overcome the sin, I am convinced that he will answer you with love. If you ask Him to deliver and restore you, I firmly believe He will do that. Once you have repented, move on in faith and hope in the Lord. Do not let the devil trip you up by having you look back upon your sin with shame and condemnation. When Christ sets you free, you are free indeed!
If I can pray with and/or for you, please let me know. I bring this message with much humility and trembling. I am one who fails and do not feel qualified. I join with you in repentance for the sin of seeking money. I have struggled and continue to struggle with that sin as well. I am confident and hopeful now that Christ is completing His perfect work in me and setting me free by His power and His grace! I pray for freedom for you if you find yourself bound by any besetting sin. 1 John 1:9 reminds us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)
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added to web: 11 Aug 2006