Flashback Friday - What We Have in Christ - Martin Wiles

What I possess cannot be measured with monetary figures.

A person living in a poverty-stricken third-world country might look at what I possess and classify me a rich man. By the normal American standard, however, I dangle barely above the poverty level. I have a fulfilling and exciting job but with pay far less than that of my government-funded counterparts. My only vehicle is 12 years old with 200K miles. The only health insurance I can afford is what the government grants me free of charge. Though my employer offers a retirement option, I can’t afford to contribute. And my wife and I live in a small patio townhouse boxed in by neighbors.

What I don’t have in material things is more than compensated for by what I have in Christ. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. I Corinthians 2:12 NLT

In Christ, I have forgiveness of all my sins…past, present, and future. I don’t have to worry about dying with unconfessed sin; Christ has taken care of those as well. There is a freeing effect in knowing I’ve been released from sin’s chains and will never stand in the “condemned” position any longer. Forgiveness changes my perspective on life. I now have purpose and can face any challenge with Christ’s indwelling Spirit as my source of strength. Forgiveness brings a sense of peace that can’t be experienced through any other means.

In Christ, my eternity is secure. Knowing this eliminates fear—not the fear of dying but the fear of now knowing what’s ahead. Heaven…and all God offers there, is mine for the enjoyment.

Having Christ also brings abundance. Not an abundance of possessions or money but the satisfaction that comes from recognizing that I and my Creator have re-connected in a love relationship characterized by every aspect—and more, that I search for in an earthly relationship. He promises to care for me and supply every need I have.

Have you trusted Christ as your Savior? If not, there’s no better time than now.

Prayer: Eternal God, thank You for sending Your Son to die for our sins. We trust Him now as the Savior of our souls. 

Tweetable: Do you know what you have in Christ? 

Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.

Money: Evil’s Root - Martin Wiles

Series: The Things We Say

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. Hebrews 13:5 NLT

“Money is the root of all evil.”

Though my standard of living would be considered rich by third-world standards, by American standards I’ve rarely lived a comfortable lifestyle. Making the monthly bills match the monthly income has always been a challenge. 

In spite of that, I’ve made the mistake more than once of buying things I didn’t need. My grandmother and mother often said, “That money is burning a hole in your pocket.” All the while, I was thinking, Well if I had more, maybe it wouldn’t. 

And somewhere along the line, someone would comment, “You know, the Bible says, “Money is the root of all evil.’” And I would mumble under my breath, No, it doesn’t. I was a preacher’s kid. I may not have always abided by biblical principles, but I knew what they were.

This verse is similar to the often misquoted one, For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Money isn’t the issue; love of it is. 

The Bible says a lot about money—or possessions. And they’re both the same. I may not have cash on hand, but if I have possessions (even stocks and bonds), I have money. Liquidating my assets would give me spendable funds. 

Jesus had a lot to say about money, and the disciples and apostles who continued His teachings carried on the tradition. 

One thing the Bible doesn’t teach is that money is the root of all kinds of evil. 

Leaving the word love out changes the meaning and distorts the truth. To be sure, those who have great amounts of money normally love it, but the principle remains: having money isn’t the root of all evil. 

Loving my money—in whatever form it takes, will cause me issues, not having the money itself. 

Money is necessary to pay my bills so I can exist in a monetary economy. Loving my money, on the other hand, will lead me down roads to greed, selfishness, poor decisions, crime, unhealthy relationships, and possibly an eternity apart from God. 

Instead of letting money be a root of evil in your life, use it to help others and advance God’s Kingdom work. Give graciously, sacrificially, and with honorable motives.

Prayer: Father, motivate us to use our money in ways that please You and better our world. 

Looking for a wide selection of genres in Christian books at discount prices? Use coupon MWiles for 20% off. Click here to see selections.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.