Money Woes

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Do you fight with your spouse about spending? Do you use your credit cards often? Do you wonder how you would pay for a flat tire, or an emergency repair to the air conditioning, or an unexpected medical bill? Are you constantly looking at what your friends or coworkers have, or how they spend money, and comparing it to what you have or spend? If you answer yes to more than one of these questions, you are likely trapped in a cycle of worry about your finances.

A McGraw Hill study found that 36% of people spend two or more hours a day worrying about money. Disagreements on financial matters are the second leading cause of divorce, just behind infidelity. Jesus knew we would be prone to worry, and most especially about our money and possessions. In Luke 12:22-34, He sets out instructions on how we should view our money and possessions.

Jesus says, “O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus’ answer to worry is to put our faith in God, Who provides all that we will ever want or need. A life following Jesus is set apart from the pagan world, which pursues wealth, money, possessions, and earth-bound prestige and passing fancy those things can provide.

God’s way is to seek Him and His kingdom. When it comes to worry about money and possessions, it means asking, “Is this what God wants? Will this thing, this want, further His Kingdom, or my self-interest?” When our pursuit of wealth is supplanted by the pursuit of God, our worries about money will fade. God desires followers who aren’t motivated by a life of comfort among amassed possessions, but a life of sacrifice among the mission of the Church. Are you worried about money? Look to God, and follow the mission of the One Who will provide for your every need.

God, forgive me when I worry about and pursue money and financial gain. Help me to be wise with what you have entrusted to me, to be thrifty and to use my resources first and foremost to glorify You and grow Your Kingdom. Help me to trust you to provide for my every real need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.