Day 30

“You cannot serve both God and money.”

Matthew 6:24

Money is a touchy subject. Even though it plays a massive part in our personal and social lives, we find it difficult to talk openly about how our faith relates to our money. Indeed, many of us find ourselves stuck in secret and hidden financial obsessions in contrast to our reticence and reserve, Jesus talks openly about money and possessions. His message conveys two sides: He strongly warns against the spiritual dangers of making money our god, and he also makes it clear that a wise use of our material possessions can enhance our relationship to God.

Jesus challenges us to dethrone money as a rival god. Martin Luther once observed, “There are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, mind, and the purse.” Of these three, the last conversion proves the most difficult.

Daily Practice

To express your intentions to dethrone money and to put God first in your life, bless someone today with an anonymous monetary gift.