October 23, 2023

Passage Read: Hebrews 13 - James 1
Meditation Verses: Hebrews 13:5-6

Thought

Keeping my life free from the love of money requires being content with what I have. If I'm not content, I will need more money. If I am content with what I have, I won't need any more money. I actually have enough not only to live on but also to gradually pay back my debt. The only drawback is I have so little time to serve the kingdom, and I think that is what God has in mind with such instructions. Paul says godliness with contentment is great gain. Jesus says I can't serve God and money, but should be content with what He promises to provide so that I can seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. That's where He wants me to be; that's where He wants my heart and what He wants me living for.

Application

I need to be careful, because I'm making debt-free as much an idol as "getting more financially comfortable" (a love of money). Being content with what I have means being content with what I have; it doesn't mean being content with just a little more. As much as I'd like to pay off my debts quickly, I can't do so at the expense of serving God, of seeking first His kingdom and righteousness. God never says that I need to achieve a certain amount of financial security, then go serve Him. He intends for me to keep Him and His Kingdom first in my heart and life, no matter my material circumstances. Paying off debt can't be my excuse for opting out of kingdom service.