This is a short post. We'll resume regular length tomorrow.
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I have a simple question for today.
What is the point of money?
Go ahead and leave me a comment with your thoughts. Consider if your answer changes after you read the following two passages. Take some time to read the surrounding passages if you've got time, I don't want you to be misled by an incorrect context.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:23-24)
The issue of money is pretty loaded and there is a lot of talk about it in the Bible. It's clearly an important one and an everyday issue. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
See you tomorrow!
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To offer an answer to your question, David - money is a means of simplifying the trade of goods and services.
ReplyDeleteThe verse in 1 Timothy is right on, and history has shown us how putting money above everything else can be dangerous and even deadly.
However, I'm not so sure the passage in Matthew is talking about money (I think we discussed this same things in a leaders' meeting this semester?). My thought is that the use of the word "rich" here isn't only referring to financial wealth, but being wealthy in reference to having the gift of life.
In verse 25 - in response to these statements - the disciples ask Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" IMO, this is a reaction to the disciples' understanding that we all are wealthy and extremely blessed to have life and to have a relationship with our Creator, and it must be equally hard for all of us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (great movie, btw).
These posts have been really enjoyable and thought-provoking. I'm lookin forward to the remaining 32 days.
Any new leads on jobs this summer?
Thanks for the comment Patrick. Keep your eyes peeled, I might use your comment on a follow up post in a few days.
ReplyDeleteI actually think that the verse in Matthew is directly referring to material wealth. If you read the verses directly before it (16-22), Jesus has just challenged a young man (who is wealthy) to sell all his possessions and follow Jesus and he walked away, defeated.
However, he disciples reaction is related to what your talking about I believe. They might be seeing material wealth as a sign of God's blessing which may or may not be true. Regardless, Christ's reaction to their question is viable for us all. Man's power doesn't get it, but anything is possible with God.
Keep up the feedback, I appreciate it!