How can we prioritize God's kingdom over wealth in our daily lives? Setting the Scene “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 19:23) Why Wealth Often Crowds Out God • Money promises security that only God can truly give (Proverbs 11:28) • Possessions compete for affection meant for the Lord (Matthew 6:24) • Abundance can dull urgency for eternal things (Revelation 3:17) • Success may cultivate pride instead of humble dependence (Deuteronomy 8:17-18) Kingdom-First Principles • Seek before you spend: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) • Store treasure in the right place: invest in souls, Scripture, and service (Matthew 6:19-21) • Remember true profit: “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36) • Hold everything loosely: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17) • Cultivate contentment: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” (Hebrews 13:5) • Give generously and gladly: “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Daily Practices That Keep the Heart Aligned • Tithe or set aside first-fruits before paying any other bill • Schedule regular, anonymous generosity—support missions, widows, orphans (James 1:27) • Limit lifestyle creep; when income rises, increase giving rather than spending • Begin each day with Scripture instead of market news or account balances • Choose gratitude over comparison; thank God aloud for daily bread • Plan Sabbath moments—walks, worship, family meals—where money has no stage • Track spending monthly; label every dollar “kingdom tool” or “personal comfort” and adjust accordingly • Practice periodic fasts from shopping or entertainment to reset appetites • Invite trusted believers to speak into financial decisions for accountability Ongoing Attitudes to Guard • Awareness of any creeping trust in savings rather than the Savior • Readiness to obey promptings to give, even when inconvenient • Joy in seeing the gospel advance through resources God entrusts • Thankfulness that wealth is temporary, while eternal life is secure in Christ Living the Promise When wealth is viewed as a servant of God’s purposes—and never as a substitute for God Himself—the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:23 become a safeguard rather than a sentence. By choosing kingdom priorities first, believers enjoy the freedom of generosity, the contentment of dependence, and the lasting riches promised to those who follow the King. |
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