Money, Money, Money, Money...MONEY!

If you've watched much television at all then you've heard the catchy theme song for NBC's hit show The Apprentice. Over and over again you hear this ongoing refrain, "Money, Money, Money, Money...MONEY!" I couldn't think of a more appropriate theme song because that's what the show is all about...people competing against one another, using whatever tactics are available to them manipulation, intelligence, sexual appeal, deception - all for money.

I think the show is a pretty good parable - you know those stories that Jesus told that seemed to be simple enough on the surface but were actually illustrative of some deeper spiritual/relational meaning. The Apprentice holds up a mirror and says, "Look at what you've become...this is greed magnified."

I've been thinking about that lately because I've come across a number of passages in my study and devotion that are related to our insatiable desire for "more." I wouldn't ever dare to suggest that this is only a problem in our society, it is a problem in the human heart...so it plagues every human being, but it seems to be spiraling out of control in out own communities. Especially in the Christian community we need to hear again Paul's words in his letter to Timothy, where he says:

"6Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; 7for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; 8but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. 11But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

13In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which he will bring about at the right time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 16It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

17As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, 19thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life." (1 Timothy 6:6-19)

This isn't written to discourage us or to turn us into complete ascetics, but rather to reveal the reality that money simply will not satisfy us. Our deepest desires will only be sated by the Spirit of God. As Jesus says in John 6, "Do not work for food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you...I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." These words are reminiscent of Isaiah 55, "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?" It is only in Him that our deepest desires are filled.

I don't say these things to put a guilt trip on anyone - I say them because it is my desire that people find fullness and satisfaction in Christ. It's that satisfaction you feel when you've been really hungry and you eat a delicious meal...our hearts are hungry for God and He says, "Come, eat and drink...I am the food that will truly satisfy you." Taste and see that the Lord is good. Try Him out and see if He doesn't satisfy you more than all the money Trump could ever give you. Blessings ~ RLS