I was driving the other day through a main street. Sitting in traffic all you can do is look around and see the businesses on both sides of the street and it had me thinking about the power that money has in our lives.

We’ve heard say in Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” and I can almost hear readers saying that’s not me, because…insert your reason.

The recent economy changes have demonstrated the power that money has in our lives. Some people lost their jobs, or their hours were decreased. The health insurance premiums became higher. Some lost their residence or vehicles. Crime rates increased, especially around the holidays. This happens when people get desperate trying to provide, to obtain things the “easy way” or attempting to maintain their lifestyles.

Some people think that they don’t serve money because they don’t have much. Take that little away or even attempt and you will see a different side of the same person. In corporate America we see people, including Christians, gossiping, forming alliances, gathering Intel to secure their positions, gain favor with their bosses or even get to higher grounds without doing the work.

Some people say that they don’t serve money because they are charitable. The question is the motive behind the contribution. Is it to get a tax break, to get recognition within an organization (church or socially)? Do we give what’s left or what we have?

If we think about it most prayers are for provision: a car, a house, a job, a raise, the vacation I haven’t taken in a while.

As long as we are comfortable, we believe that we don’t serve money. When money is lacking, we realize how painful it is to be without it. Money is one of the main reasons for divorce. It’s the primary reason why friendships and partnerships break. It’s a reason to go to jail. It’s a reason why families fight and stop talking to each other.

Let’s start this year doing a real evaluation on our lives and being honest with ourselves on how much hold and power that master (money) has on our lives.

Until then,

Be blessed!