24
When Money and Faith Collide
Tim Savage25He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows: “Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! Acts 19
Paul spoke out about false gods and idols. He explained that idols were powerless images made by man which held no special value and were simply fashioned by a human craftsman. Some in Ephesus heard his message and believed, but interestingly, the group that nearly caused a citywide riot was the silver craftsmen who produced the idols. Paul was affecting their business. The argument wasn’t about whether Jesus was the Son of God, the prophesied Messiah; it was that Paul had caused a market drop!
What is my response when my faith affects my possessions, my finances, my bank account? What if, in order to continue in my calling, I had to give up my house, my kids dreams to go to college, my cars, my comfort or convenience? How would I do with that? What if my faith required me to withstand public ridicule, pain, suffering or rejection? Is it possible that the enemy allows me to live so comfortably and pain-free so that when the time comes to go to battle for my Savior I’m too fat and lazy to swing a sword?
I must constantly be on guard against schemes that soften my resolve or things that quietly change my priorities. I’m not saying that giving up my house would be easy, but I need to resolve now to be willing to do anything for God. The world is changing quickly around us each and every day. The enemy is scheming in so many devious and clever ways to rip and tear the fabric of our moral culture and we need to be ready and prepared with our response.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please give me the strength and courage to live as an example of You to the world. May I represent You well and be a light in a darkening world.
In Jesus name,
Amen
