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GOD OR MONEY?

by Morris Inch
04/27/16
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GOD OR MONEY?

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Jesus cautioned, "You cannot serve both God and Money" (Matt. 6:24). The latter consists as a form of idolatry. As conveyed in the saying, "God created humans, and humans created gods."

Examples proliferate. For instance, a spokesperson for a leading Christian publisher recently observed: "Our only interest is sales." If actually so, ruling out service to God.

I recall conversing with a Christian editor, when the sales concern was not so dominant. "It is an on-going struggle between those obsessed with sales, and those of concerned more with substance," he allowed. "Although the former is gaining ground, there is a limited number of submissions reserved for service." At which, he paused for a moment before admitting that these were not always activated.

Pressure is sometimes applied to cause authors to conform. In this regard, an editor warned me: "You are not going to register good sales so long as you insist on encouraging persons to think." Whereas education consists not only with imparting information, but inciting critical thought.

Another case in point. A certain preacher, as was his custom, was pleading for seed money to support his television broadcast. One would get the impression that this was the essence of the gospel. As readily admitted by another of similar disposition.

In some instances, such persons become notably wealthy. Little mention as a rule is made of this, perhaps lest it raise question concerning the preacher’s motivation. Although it might also act as a precedent for others to emulate.

In striking contrast, Andrew Carnege reasoned that if a person dies wealthy, he or she has failed God’s calling. As a result, he was exceedingly generous. Which recalls that in Jewish tradition industry and generosity are coupled together as compatible virtues.

"Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me my daily bread," the sage petitions. "Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God" (Prov. 30:8-9). Since we are inclined to err in one direction or its opposite. So that when attempting to escape one fault, we fall prey to the other.

Still another case in point. The pastor of a mega-church allowed, "We thought we were making disciples, but it turns out that we were entertaining." Since those who frequented their services were prone to embrace a consumer mentality, with the intent of being served rather than serving others.

Conversely, it seems to me that there are distinct advantages both to the mega-church, and the smaller congregation. It remains to make the most of the opportunities that each affords. By way of service to God and on behalf of those in dire need, whether of spiritual or material nature.

While bearing in mind that Jesus sets the precedent, having come to serve rather than to be served. This assuredly may be costly, as we recall the passion narratives. According to what Dietrich Bonhoeffer described as costly grace, as set over against cheap grace. As for the latter, grace without righteous resolve.

Numerous examples come to mind. Ed was a college classmate of mine. He was a very devout person, who was active in a Bible study group—which would from time to time visit homes in the nearby communities to share the gospel. Even so, he was not assured of God’s calling.

So it came as a surprise when he showed up in seminary. Whereupon, he assured me that he did not feel called to the ministry, but thought a year of theological study would be time well spent. Consequently, he took his leave at the end of the term.

The next time I came across him he was on furlough from the mission field. He was engaged in teaching in West Africa. Morever, he was convinced that this was God’s will for his life. Appreciative of a break from the routine, he was exited with the prospect of return.

The next time I heard of him, he had succumbed to some tropical decease. He was buried on the mission field, among those he had gladly served. A talented youth, he likely could have acquired material possessions. Instead, he determined to serve God. In conclusion, choose well and benefit from the consequences.