Taking It to Work:
“He who dies with the most toys wins.” That quote is attributed to Malcolm Forbes. Some estimates say he was worth a billion dollars when he died in 1990, and he was obsessed with collecting motorcycles, hot air balloons, helicopters and Fabergé eggs. Money, and the spending of his money, was center stage, especially in the later years of his life.
Now, we may not be anywhere near the level of Forbes, but like it or not, money is a very big part of our existence too. If you’re like most, a great majority of your life will be spent working. For many, the goal of that work will be, at first, just to make ends meet, but then later, to create a financial picture that will allow a lifestyle that is enjoyable and sustainable, and to do that hopefully before we get too old to really enjoy it. After that, it may be to create an inheritance to leave to those coming after us.
None of that is wrong on the cultural surface, but Biblically, in God’s eyes, it is far short of what He would want for us and our families. It’s shortcoming? It is the focus on our desires for provision and not the desires of the Provider. It is the focus on building our kingdom before building His Kingdom; and it is a trap set for every Christian out there if we are not careful.
For the non-believer, their work is generally that: to pay for and grow their kingdom. If they are of the less selfish variety, their focus may extend outward to providing for future generations, the environment and to protecting endangered species and resources of the earth. Again, nothing culturally wrong with that, especially in our day and age, but it is still not God’s order of priority.
What is His highest aim for our lives? Where should our focus be as we get up to work every morning? His Kingdom. Now that may sound idealistic or even backward if our kingdom is barely paying its bills. But according to God’s word, if we claim to be Christian, that may be why we’re barely paying our bills.
Matthew Chapter 6 starting at verse 25 is the Lord’s words directly to us addressing our focus in life. Most read this as addressing only anxiety, but think of how much anxiety is driven from our financial situations. The bottom line is found in verse 33. If we are putting our kingdom first, we are going to find ourselves out of step with the Lord we claim to follow, and anxiety about money, and money itself, may end up as the top driver in our lives.
When David had it foremost in his heart to serve God, God provided for David beyond what he ever imagined. When Solomon purposed to build the greatest temple to God ever built, untold resources poured in, mostly from the pagan world. And when Jesus was just a toddler, pagan kings from the east laid gold at his feet that many think might have supported much of His adult ministry. Later Joanna, Suzanna, Nicodemus, and Joseph of Arimathea entered the picture, for more provision.
The reminder is this: For the Christian, work and money are necessary, but biblically, it is God’s Kingdom that has to be first and foremost in our hearts. From that starting point, the infinite provision of God is promised to cover the rest. You may not end up with as many toys as Mr. Forbes, but you will win that which is far greater, God’s provision and favor on your life, as His Word works in you, today.
Phil 4:19 (ESV) – And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
2Cor 9:8 (ESV) – And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Matt 6:31-33 (ESV) – Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
Ps 37:25 (ESV) – I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
How many give homage to that which I supply? It is not for the many it is given, but for the few. Provision is given that the provider would be known, and those who are His, would be in His provision; also that the Kingdom would be in provision, that it shall prosper amidst the many. As Kings of the world provided that the kingdom of Israel would be established under David, and more so Solomon, so also the kings of the world provide through My providence that the Kingdom of the Christ would also be established. Although riches are amidst all the kingdoms of earth, even those of the enemy, it shall not be in the end. All is mine, says My Word; the silver and gold are mine.
Your provision will be enough, and with generosity, it shall become more. As My Kingdom is advancing, so too the provision. They that build will be given for that which is to be built. Work for this, and you shall not be in want.
