070304 Steeple Article - Funny Money isn’t Sunny Honey

American English is full of colorful expressions about money. For instance, a spendthrift will let “money burn a hole in his pocket” and eventually learn that “money can't buy you happiness.” But if you are all too aware that “money doesn't grow on trees,” then you might become “money grubbing” and so “money hungry” that you will discover that “money is the root of all evil.” But wait. Doesn’t money “make the world go round” . . . especially for those with “money to burn” or “money out the wazoo?”

In Luke 16:1-9 Jesus tells us about a rich man who had a swindler for a money manager. The crook was taking advantage of his position by living high on the hog and splurging expenses for personal gain. He fired the crook and demanded a complete audit of his books. But the crooked manager realized that if he was going lose his job, he wasn’t strong or humble enough for physical labor or begging. So he decided to get his boss’s debtors to take care of him by going to each one and discounting their outstanding bill. A debt of “hundred jugs of olive oil” was marked down to fifty . . . a hundred sacs of wheat became eighty. But the biggest surprise came when the boss praised him for his shrewdness, because he knew how to look after himself.

Jesus explained that people like this are smarter than law-abiding folk, because they keep looking for ways to survive. Jesus recommends that we should be just as smart, but for doing what is right and a blessing to others – instead of for doing wrong or selfish things. We should use problems and challenges to find creative ways to survive. He wants us to concentrate on what is really important so that we can have an abundant life, instead of worm like existence.

Isn’t it wonderful how God has given us at Dexter so many ingenious ways to survive and bless others? We have kept our price for food and entertainment competitive and unique for prayer breakfasts, lunches, 301 club, etc. We worship on Sundays in excellent celebration to God’s glory. We share delicious covered dish meals on occasions. Our free worship and Bible studies on Tuesday and Wednesday with over 60 three, four and five year old children is well received. Our police and emergency communications ministry to approximately 800 public servants is witnessing the presence of Christ in our community. We sponsor events like the Sing Along Messiah, our first Revival, Bob Adam’s gallery, and our Young Artist Recital Series with little or no budget expense. We met a significant portion of our conference apportionment last year, in spite of our increased budgetary demands to repair our old buildings and facilities and decreased offerings. Our tenant church’s rental helps to defray expenses.

John Wesley says the parable of the crooked manager guides us to earn all we can and save all we can, so we can give all we can. We stop worrying about money when we bless others according to God’s blessing. Conversely, we are not blessed for storing up treasures for ourselves on earth (Matthew 6:19).

Eventually everyone learns that money cannot bring real and permanent security and happiness. It only has short-lived value like theater tickets after a show. When we die, money is worthless.

Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me happiness without earning more money just for myself. Thank You for the abundant life of sharing my money, time, talent, attendance and prayers with others – near and far. Please use all that I have to bless others through the church of Jesus Christ - in His blessed name, Amen.