Re:Verse reading–Acts 16:11-34 (day seven)
Paul and the early Christians missionaries in Acts made many people angry. Most often we see them challenging the religious status quo, and the religious leaders chase them out of town. This week is different. Paul and Silas are stuck down, beaten with many blows, and thrown into a maximum-security prison cell with their feet shackled, not because they are sharing the Gospel, but because the profit was gone (v.19).
The thought of the profit being gone is frightening. We work our whole live to keep the profit up so that we can take home a pay check to take care of our families. Where do we turn when the profit dries up and we are left with nothing? These slave owners turned themselves over to anger leaving a wake of destruction. We do not have to lose our minds when the profit dwindles. Jesus taught a better way.
In Matthew 6:31-33 Jesus tells us to keep a proper perspective on profit and providing for our families: Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Good reminder about our choices, money/profit or God or material life or spiritual life. There are some lessons learned here. Money is one’s liability; God is one’s asset.
From my perspective, a strong desire for gaining more money can drive people to commit actions that are against God’s will and may lead us to darkness and a life of unrest. In contrast, a strong desire for gaining God will please God and will lead us to peace and light. Satan’s way or God’s way. Which direction are you traveling in this phase of your life?
When we are in content with our life circumstances, we are on the road for peace and joy. When we are in content with our life circumstances, we are rejoicing in the Lord. Money is a tool in this earthy life but not a destination. God is! I am convinced!
Peace does not come with having more money but having more money is having more liabilities. God is our assets on the financial balance sheet. Is your liability side higher than your assets side or the other way around? I will need to check my life journey financial statement! Which side is more important for you?