Who governs what you have?

Who governs what you have?
Generosity by Design | Sunday Devotional
 
Scripture Focus
Read Matthew 6:22–24. “You cannot serve God and wealth.”

 
Sermon Reflection
When Nathan told David about a rich man who took a poor man’s only lamb, David saw the wrong immediately. Then Nathan said, “You are the man!” The story David had judged so quickly was now examining him.
 
It’s easy to hear Jesus warn about serving wealth and think about somebody else. Then we sit down to pay our bills, decide what to do with a little extra money, or consider an opportunity that could bring in more income. Right there, in a decision we can explain a dozen ways, Jesus asks us to consider whose word has the final say.
 
Jesus knows the responsibilities we carry. Some of us are trying to plan for the future. Others are trying to make it through the week. A clear eye sees what we have as something God has entrusted to us. That changes the questions we ask.

1. What responsibility can I fulfill?
2. Whose need can I help meet?
3. What am I asking money to give me that I should be seeking in the Lord?

 
Think about what happened when Jesus came to Zaccheus’s house. Zaccheus welcomed Him gladly, and that encounter had consequences for what he did with his money. He committed to give to the poor and repay anyone he had defrauded. Christ came to seek and save the lost, and His saving grace bore fruit in concrete acts of repentance and generosity.
 
That same grace gives us courage to face what we’ve been excusing. Jesus died for our sins and rose again. We can come to Him in repentance and faith, trusting Him with the very places where we’ve been afraid to obey.
 
How I Should Respond
Bring one real financial decision before the Lord this week. It might be something you’re considering buying, an obligation you’ve put off, or a chance to help someone. Ask yourself, What do I want from this decision? What has God already made clear about how I should handle it?
 
Then take one step of obedience. Tell the truth about something you’ve concealed. Begin making right a wrong. Follow through on a responsibility. Give in a way that reflects what the Lord has entrusted to you. Start where His Word has put its finger on your life.
 
Weekly Prayer
Father, thank You for knowing what I need and for giving me Your Son. Forgive me for the times I have looked to money for the security, peace, and worth I should seek in You. Help me see clearly where fear or desire has governed my choices. Give me wisdom to provide faithfully, courage to make wrongs right, and a willing heart to share what You have entrusted to me. When obedience costs me something, help me trust You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
Application for the Week

1. Day 1 | Let the Word examine you. Read Matthew 6:19–24. Look back at one recent decision about money. Write down what you chose and what you most wanted that choice to accomplish.
2. Day 2 | Name what you’re trusting. Read Matthew 6:25–34. Name one financial concern you’re carrying. Bring that specific need to your Father in prayer, then identify one responsibility you can attend to today.
3. Day 3 | Bring it into the light. Read Joshua 7:20–21. Consider whether you’ve concealed a purchase, left out part of the truth, or excused a choice you knew was wrong. Confess any sin the Lord brings to mind and take the first step toward addressing it.
4. Day 4 | Put repentance into practice. Read Luke 19:1–10. If there’s a financial wrong you can make right, begin doing so. If there’s a need you can help meet, act on it this week.
5. Day 5 | Give God’s Word the final say. Read Matthew 6:24 again. Look ahead to one decision you’ll face next week. Write down the biblical instruction that should guide it and the action you intend to take.

 
Final Thought
When keeping something and obeying Jesus pull you in different directions, pay attention to which voice you’re ready to follow. The Savior who gave Himself for you is worthy of your trust in that very decision.