The Money Grid: Comfort vs Kingdom

The majority of Western secular society is focused on comfort. That is the prize. If I can live my life in ease and comfort, then I have it sorted! Sadly, the goalposts of comfort keep moving, and what we thought would make us happy and comfortable just doesn’t quite scratch the itch we need to scratch. It is the law of diminishing returns. We have an insatiable global appetite for comfort.

I am not saying comfort is wrong. There are wonderful things in this life for us to enjoy: amazing food, exploring new places, wonderful homes, reliable cars, and more. God is a good Father who gives us great gifts, but these gifts are not the priority, the Father is!

Jesus says that the priority is His Kingdom over our comfort. He says I love you so dearly I died for you. I have given you everything you have to look after and steward for me. And there is a mission I have for you on earth. That is your primary reason for being here.

So, God has created us for good works. What are those? They are to help other people come to know Jesus, to follow Jesus, and to help others do the same. That is our mission on earth. You never need to ask God what your purpose is, that is it.

Everything you are good at, every business that you run and all resources that you have are to help that mission be fulfilled on Earth. It makes life so simple. It makes life so clear. We can be laser-focused in fulfilling this task. And can I tell you when Jesus changes your heart, when He transforms you, this desire becomes natural.

Look at what happened in the book of Acts when people came to faith and understood the gravity of their mission

And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:45

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:34-35

The Lord is calling you to live radically for His Kingdom on earth. Don’t waste another moment. Devote your life to see people come to know Jesus. That is the priority of all priorities. So fix your eyes on His Kingdom rather than your comfort.

Billy Graham once said, “If you show me what your money goes on, I will be able to show you what is most valuable to you.”

Scripture:

Ephesians 2:8-10 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Matthew 28:18-20 - 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection:

In Western society, comfort is often seen as the ultimate goal. We are bombarded with messages that tell us our success is measured by our comfort and convenience. Yet, despite the pursuit of comfort, many find themselves still longing for something more, caught in the cycle of diminishing returns.

Jesus, however, challenges us to shift our focus from comfort to His Kingdom. Reflect on these questions:

• How do you currently prioritize comfort in your life? What steps do you take to ensure your lifestyle is as comfortable as possible?
• In what ways might your pursuit of comfort be hindering your ability to serve God's Kingdom? Are there areas where you might be putting your comfort before your calling?
• How does the mission Jesus gave us, as outlined in Matthew 28, align with or challenge your current financial and lifestyle choices?
• Consider the early Church's radical generosity in Acts. What can their example teach you about prioritizing God's Kingdom over personal comfort?
• What are the “good works” God has prepared for you to walk in? How can you integrate this mission into your daily life and financial decisions?

Jesus calls us to live for His Kingdom, making eternal impact our primary goal. As we align our resources and actions with His mission, we fulfill our true purpose.

Application:

1. Take a moment to assess your current spending and saving habits. Are they aligned with advancing God's Kingdom or primarily focused on personal comfort?
2. Create practical goals that reflect your commitment to serve others and support God’s mission. This might include budgeting for charitable giving, investing in community outreach, or supporting missions.
3. Regularly review your financial decisions and lifestyle choices. Are they contributing to the spread of the Gospel and helping those in need?
4. Get involved in activities or ministries that align with the mission of making disciples and serving others. Use your skills and resources to contribute to these efforts.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the many blessings and comforts You have provided in my life. Help me to keep my focus on Your Kingdom rather than on my own comfort. Open my eyes to the ways I can use my resources to serve others and advance Your mission on earth. Teach me to prioritize Your will over my desires and guide me in making decisions that reflect Your love and purpose. May my life and resources be dedicated to Your glory and the fulfillment of Your mission.

In Jesus' name, Amen.