A CHANGE OF HEART

The fact that so many of us chase after wealth and serve the god of mammon instead of the living God demonstrates that we’re human. This is the natural tendency of our flesh: to war against God.

Now, Jesus was human, and He had His temptations, too. Not with money, but He faced a life-and-death struggle at Gethsemane that, very plainly, shows us His humanity:

“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’… Then he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want’” (Matthew 26:36–39 NRSV).

Jesus’ struggle here reflects ours. It’s the struggle of a divided heart, between our humanity and our spirit. Jesus was the Son of God, perfect in every way. But He was also the Son of Man, human every bit as much as He was divine…

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 NRSV).

Jesus’ battle to yield His will to God’s, albeit in far more desperate circumstances than you or I experience, mirrors our struggle to yield our hearts to God when it comes to our desire for wealth. 

Yet He fought on and overcame the temptation for the sake of you and me, so we could be forgiven, be set free, and live a resurrection life for eternity.

And that Gethsemane life-and-death struggle will play itself out in the heart of every believer, as we decide, ultimately, whom we will serve.

Your heart will follow your treasure. It seems a big risk to let go of some of your wealth for Jesus, but giving sacrificially when God calls you to give actually brings a peace that you can never have when you trust in money.

Friend, it’s time to decide. In whom will you trust? 

A divided heart is no longer an option. What’s required here is a decision – a change of heart. 

You can serve either mammon, or God. It’s time to decide.

LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS 

1. How did Jesus win His battle at Gethsemane? As you face the struggles and temptations to serve money over God, how can you learn from His example? 
2. Spend some time reading the story of the poor widow in Luke 21. If you were in her shoes, would you give your final coins, as she did?
3. Take a moment to pray, to ask God, “Lord, what opportunities are you setting before me, to give to your work sacrificially?”
4. Now, put some plans in place that will help you become a sacrificial giver, as the Spirit leads you. Trust me, you’ll never look back. You will never, ever regret the widow’s wisdom to trust God. 

Discover God's word FRESH for you each day. Receive the FRESH daily devotional in your inbox!