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.”
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

The command here is to not love money or the things money can buy. But why? Are these things not enjoyable or fun? The command is even stronger than that: “Keep your lives free from the love of money.”

My daughters eat gluten free. They have a hard time processing gluten, and their bodies do much better without it. Even a small amount of gluten will make them feel bad.

When I think of keeping my life free from the love of money, it’s like being gluten free spiritually. I am called to let no amount of affection for money grow in my heart.

This is because instead of money, which is spent today and tomorrow it is gone, I have God, the supplier of all things. I should love and trust him instead. In the pursuit of more and more money I default God into second place. God does not stay there long. He is a first place God. He is sovereign!

So think of all the things you can buy or trips you can take or cars you can acquire or vacation homes you can build if you gain more money. Make a list of them. Then spiritually translate that list.

By spiritually translate it, I mean sacrifice the things for people and their eternal souls. Think of all the people I can help and touch if I draw closer to God and spend my money to enable this work. If I trust God to be free with my money in using it to serve him, then I will be free of the love of money.

This is in essence the same exercise that Jesus had the rich young ruler perform in Matthew 18:16-22. He called him to trade in his earthly wealth for spiritual riches.

Lord, thank you for the freedom that comes with being content with where you have me. May I honor you with spending my money on needs and ministry.