How can we guard against prioritizing personal gain over God's work, as seen here? A sobering scene (Nehemiah 13:5) “[Eliashib] had prepared for Tobiah a large chamber where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, as well as the contributions for the priests.” What went wrong • Temple space meant for God’s offerings was handed to a political insider. • Worship resources were displaced, disrupting ministry to Levites and worship leaders. • Comfort for a favored man took priority over covenant faithfulness to God. Warning signs we might be slipping • Excusing small compromises “for efficiency” or “relationships.” • Treating funds or time set aside for ministry as flexible spending. • Growing irritation when asked to serve or give sacrificially. • Greater delight in applause or profit than in obedience. Guardrails that keep God first • Remember ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness.” (Psalm 24:1) • Give God the first portion, not the leftovers (Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:10). • Keep God’s house in order before building our own (Haggai 1:4-9). • Establish accountable structures—transparent budgets, shared decision-making, regular audits. • Practice Sabbath rhythms that declare, “God, not gain, sustains me.” • Cultivate contentment: “Be on your guard against every form of greed.” (Luke 12:15) Scriptures that reinforce the guardrails • Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • 1 Timothy 6:6-10 – Godliness with contentment is great gain; love of money pierces the soul. • Colossians 3:23-24 – Work wholeheartedly for the Lord, knowing He is the rewarder. • 2 Chronicles 29:11 – “Do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him.” • Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Daily checkpoints 1. Start each day acknowledging God’s rule over your schedule and resources. 2. Before major decisions, ask: “Will this displace God’s purposes in any way?” 3. Review finances monthly; celebrate every opportunity to fund kingdom work. 4. Invite a trusted believer to challenge you if ministry spaces, time, or money start drifting toward personal comfort. 5. End the day recounting ways God provided without compromise, giving thanks. Living the lesson Eliashib’s compromise looked practical, even hospitable, yet it robbed the storehouse and silenced worship. Guarding our hearts means keeping sacred things sacred, valuing obedience over advantage, and trusting that every need is met when God’s work stays first. |
    |