August 15, 2023 | Martin Luther – Day 11

 

“Wealth is God’s gift. One should not discard it; one should thank God for it and use it in a Christian manner.”

Martin Luther

 

 

English cleric and theologian John Wesley once said, “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” This sentiment matched Luther’s. Neither declared that someone was sinful because of the gifts they have been given. Rather, they urged those who have received much to use those gifts in ways that glorify God.

 

 

Most of us have heard the popular Bible verse from 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” Those who have received many gifts have greater temptations to place their hopes in those gifts. The more earthly wealth someone has, the easier it is to forget about the riches to come.

 

 

That is why God urges His children to “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). He knows that those who love money rarely feel they have enough. “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Instead, He asks that we find comfort in what we have been given and contentment in what we have, so as not to fall away from the only one we can truly depend on.

 

 

If you have been given much, there is no need for guilt. God has chosen to bless you in this way. But with the much you have, much is expected. Your gifts were not given for you to hoard. This can be said for any number of gifts you have received. They have been given to you to use to God’s glory.

 

 

Today, share something God has given you with someone in need. Start a habit of glorifying God by using what He has given you to benefit others. If everyone were to make this a habit, I dare say there would be no more poverty and hunger in all the world. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21)

 

 

Our Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for all the gifts you have given and help us to use those gifts to your glory. Amen.