Sooner or later, you have to choose

By Dean Collins

Have you had the experience of sitting around a table with friends or family? Everyone has been looking at and discussing the menu when the wait staff arrives and asks the question: “Can I take your order?” It’s decision time. You try and delay. With a flimsy attempt at courtesy, you turn to another at the table and say: “I will go last.” But the decision can only be put off so long. Eventually, you have to decide what you will order.

The truth is that no matter what you order, your hunger will be satisfied. Some menu items are likely healthier than others; but no matter what you pick, you will get enough to satisfy hunger and likely make it to the next meal.

Build on a firm foundation

As a leader, every day I feel the burden of trying to implement a strategy that produces enough revenue to pay our employees and meet our obligations. If I am honest, I don't think I can actually accomplish the task. Looking back at my prayer journal, I find consistent, even daily prayers asking God to provide for our needs. And I also find myself working like a dog trying to generate resources to accomplish the mission.

Following Jesus includes not just reading his teachings found in scripture. In fact, according to Jesus, we are blessed when we obey them. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s gospel, we learn that to follow the teachings of Jesus is the equivalent of building on a firm foundation. To ignore his teachings results in a flimsy foundation that will collapse when the storms of life eventually arrive. Jesus is very clear about implementing his teachings. So we must not simply enjoy and nod knowingly when reading scripture. We must allow the Holy Spirit to confront us, challenge us, and help us evaluate every aspect of our thinking and behavior.

Make the right choice

One passage that gives me comfort some days and distress on others is Matthew 6:24-34. Jesus is clear that we have to make a choice about where we place our devotion. The passage begins this way:

“No one can serve two masters, for 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 God and money.”

The implementation of this one verse is much broader than what amount of your income you put in the offering plate or give away. Jesus wants more than our 10%. He wants to know where we place our trust. Who and what do we pursue with our time, talents, and treasure?

In verses 25-34, we learn the implication and the importance of how we deal with our choice of masters. Our love for money and the things it allows us to purchase often becomes the basis of both envy and great anxiety. We can’t ignore passages of scripture that teach us that we are not to be idle. In fact, many scriptures teach us to work, to invest, to plant, and to build. God’s original design at creation included work. And many scholars believe that in the new heaven and earth where we will live eternally, there will be a flourishing civilization that includes work.

This passage challenges us to consider who ultimately is responsible for providing for our needs. Is it us or is it God? Who is responsible for results? Is it our creativity and brilliance, or does God deliver the results even in our businesses? Are we to trust ourselves or God in business results and personal financial decisions?

This passage tells us that ultimately, we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” It seems that the decision to trust God or to trust money is a very big deal.

We have all heard that “there is no problem money can’t solve.” Sometimes, we jokingly say it this way: you can have anything you want as long as you have enough money. But according to Jesus, that way of thinking will surely lead to a fractured foundation which cannot stand when the storms arise.

Father, we pray that your word would penetrate our hearts and minds so clearly that we might daily choose to place all of our trust in you. We truly want to seek you first and always trust you to meet every need in our lives. We surrender our businesses, our ministries, our families, and our futures all to your will. We trust you to bring the results you want and that you will lead us to use the resources you provide to extend your kingdom today and every day. In Jesus name, Amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Matthew 6:24; Matthew 6:25-34 ESV

Photo by Vladislav Babienko on Unsplash
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