Our next step in this journey through the Beatitudes is Matthew 6:19-24. Jesus addresses the subject of money. I guess no other topic is the source of more stress than money. No one is surprise to hear that the number one reason for divorces and church splits is money. There are many "Christians" today who are moments away from walking away from family, friends, job, church, and maybe even God because of the stressors that arise from the misuse or lack of money. In this passage, Jesus will teach His disciples the proper way to view and use wealth and materialism without getting any ulcers. The key principle taught can only be lived out in a live of a mature Christian, and that lesson is: "One who values relationship with God over all material possession is genuinely committed to the Kingdom of God."
Money or material goods were given to us by God, not to be the cause of stress but rather to be used to bless our neighbors and our God. Yet in this passage Jesus points out the pitfalls that come from the pursuit of money and materialism in these following verses. First, materialism will enslave our heart (6:19-21). All earthy possessions are temporal while all heavenly investments are secure. Yet the issue at the heart of the matter is in what place is our heart's desire. The second pitfall to wealth is the fact that materialism will enslave our mind (6:22-23). If we have a "self-focused eye" with money, that will only bring us darkness; while a "God focused eye brings light." The third pitfall to wealth is that materialism will enslave our will (6:24). If our will is bent on accumulating wealth, we will be miserable. Yet if our will is given over to pleasing God, then we will experience great satisfaction and a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
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