James: Faith in ActionSample

Money Isn't What Matters

From the day we're born, the world around us tells us we always need more stuff—ads on TV, comments from friends, even the expectation of getting lots of presents at birthdays and Christmas. We live in a world that tells us we need more and more and more things and then we'll be happier.

The Bible tells us something different. In both passages today, we see that all the stuff we have here on Earth won't count for anything in the end. We can be rich and have everything we think we need, but none of it is going to last. James tells us that wealth won't count for anything in the end, and in the passage from Luke, Jesus shows us the end could come at any time.

So instead of buying more things and wishing for more money, we instead need to spend our time and energy on what matters: obeying God, loving others, and sharing the good news that Jesus has died for our sins. That's what will bring real, lasting wealth.

Questions:

1. Why do you think constantly wanting more things is dangerous? What might it distract us from that's more important?
2. Think back to yesterday's reading in James. Why do you think planning your future around being wealthy isn't a good idea?
3. Instead of wanting more money or stuff, is there someone you could share what you have with instead? Maybe a friend, a sibling or even donating to someone in need.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for the generosity You've shown me in sending Jesus to die for me so that I might be forgiven. Please help me to show generosity towards other people too and to focus my attention on obeying You instead of buying more things. Amen.