The Intersection of Love and Money
Life is a journey, whose quality is determined by the decisions you make. We all have a path that has been set for us by our Creator. No two paths are identical, though they should all lead to the same direction- the Father. I say should, because though the paths have been set, the decisions we make, the turns we take, the people we surround ourselves with, will determine how successful we will be in this life and if we will make it to our destination. One of these important decisions in our life’s path is found at the intersection of love and money.
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.
Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
Choice of Master
The term master used in the above mirror is the Greek word kurios. According to the Strongs Concordance, one of the meanings of this word is:
He to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord. The possessor and disposer of a thing. The owner; one who has control of the person,
In essence, God is saying, you will have to make a decision about whom you will allow to own and control you. God, who is Love, or Money. Whomever you choose has the power of deciding the route your life will take.
A Choice of Conformity
The choice you make at this intersection will be determined by which kingdom you choose to conform to; whether the world or Love.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 (KJV)
And what is Love’s perfect will:
…I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].
John 10:10 (Amp)
Contrary to popular belief, Love wants us to have and enjoy life!
And Love shows us how to access this:
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:28-33 (NIV)
The path of Love is accessed by seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness. When you do this, you are guaranteed to have your needs met, to be surprised with good things and to be a stranger to failure!
Need proof?
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
Psalm 23:1 (NIV)
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:11 (NIV)
Love never fails…
1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Ephesians 3:20 ( NIV)
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
And if you choose the path of Love, you are obligated to constantly renew your mind with the Word of God, and walk in love of God and of man.
The Path Less Travelled
If the choice of Love leads to life and all the joy associated with it, why do so many reject this path?
Because, it is not an easy path!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble…
John 16:33 (NIV)
But what assurance does Love give us:
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1John 4:4 (NIV)
Your Turn
At the intersection of Love and Money, which do you choose? The easy path that leads to destruction ( John 10:10); or the path less travelled?
Should you choose the latter, remember you will have to:
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Today I leave you with this:
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15 (KJV)