Sho Baraka - Talented 10thUzorak

Madoff

The Love of Money, Status and Me!

I was talking to a friend who travels to India often. He showed me an interview he did with a Hindu man turned Christian. In the video, the new pastor shared insightful information on why Christians are persecuted in India. India has a notorious caste system (a rigid system of social distinction) that has been in place for some time now. To change that system is dangerous to the infrastructure and livelihood of many in India. However, Christians believe that there is neither Jew, nor Greek, or slave. This belief challenges the very core of a caste system. Therefore, when Christians come to preach a message opposing partiality, many who benefit from this system will do whatever they can to deter it. Often times, that deterring takes the form of physical persecution.

Why is this important to the Christian? We know that this world can take advantage of the weak and lowly. We know that the intentions of the powerful and privileged will not always be in the best interest of the people. Psalms 72:1-4 is a plea that the authority of this world judge as the LORD himself would judge.

It is very easy to show partiality to those we can easily associate with. James warns us against this in chapter two. As I look at my life, I am constantly evaluating how I show favoritism. Do I only have friends that look like me? Do I only spend time with people who share my financial bracket? Am I ashamed to be seen with certain people? These are things that concerned the Pharisees.

The Pharisees despised Christ because He turned their whole system upside down. He was a servant of the people. He brought hope to the lowly and poor. While the Pharisees were champions of manipulation and self-righteousness. Their concern was not for the people of GOD, but for themselves. They were more concerned with the outer appearance of righteousness than the inner. The Pharisees used religion as a way to create and foster self-advancement.

As children of the King, do we find ourselves defending the cause of the weak? James 1:27 gives us insight into what pure religion looks like. It is concern for the disadvantaged. It is love towards those who are often forgotten.

No matter your occupation, there can be a tension to use your position for self-glorification and not GOD_s glorification. As believers, we need to understand that no matter the status or occupation we hold, we are in a position to serve others.

In Matthew 19, Jesus has an encounter with a rich young ruler. He was impressed with Jesus and inquired how to obtain eternal life. Jesus told him to obey the commandments. The rich young ruler told Him that he followed the commandments.

However, Jesus knew that his heart cherished something above the LORD Himself. He then challenged the young man to sell his possessions and give the money to the poor. This disturbed the young man. The rich young ruler had spent his whole life performing an outward righteousness, but Jesus challenged his heart—which no ordinary man can see. He knew that his real god was money and status.

Jesus doesn’t just want us to perform for the crowd. He wants our heart’s devotion. He wants us to lay our selfish intentions at His feet. He wants us to forsake all for a greater purpose, which is a relationship with Him.

Money, position, and status can all be wonderful things. However, they also can be very dangerous, especially when obtained or used at the expense of others.

Ask yourself:

1. How can I be charitable today?

2. How can I spend time with someone outside my usual circle?

3. Do I treasure anything above Jesus?

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