The final play in an NFL match-up between the Packers and Seahawks seemed to expose to the nation why the real referees are so important to maintain the integrity of the game from an officiating perspective. Just ask Roger Goodell who reportedly received 70,000 voicemails overnight as a result of the decision to award the Seahawks the touchdown and win.
While this one call launched a media wildfire, and seemed to be the tipping point for everyone who loves professional football, there have been many signs since the pre-season that have proved the value of the real referees. While not perfect, many are excited about their return due to the recent resolution.
In a similar way, we can function through everyday life serving and depending on a ‘replacement god’ instead of the real God of the universe. This too will bring about a compromise of integrity in our lives as followers of Christ and faulty decision-making.
Jesus surfaces this issue in Matthew 6:24 where he shares, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
In this passage Jesus draws a clear dividing line between God and our wealth. He makes it clear that if we are serving our wealth we cannot also serve Him.
3 Signs We Are Serving Wealth
1. Pursuing of financial security.
While many would rarely admit their pursuit of financial security, I find it common in America. Many are chasing after a certain dollar figure for their retirement plans, savings, investments, etc. to obtain a so-called security. Webster’s Dictionary defines security as “freedom from danger, fear or anxiety.” There is an underlying belief that if and when a figure is reached, that one can be “secure” and free of troubles.
Jesus shares a warning in Luke 12:15, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” In verses 16-21 Jesus moves on to share a parable of a man who served wealth instead of God and how this ‘replacement god’ would not provide real security.
2. Believing money will solve your problems.
“If I just get that promotion, raise, inheritance, or won the lottery, my problems would be solved.” If this type of sentiment has snuck into your thinking, it’s cause for re-evaluation. While money might temporarily alleviate a pressure, more problems are sure to find us, and inevitably we will face problems money could never solve. Money will only mask a deeper heart issue that chooses to serve a ‘replacement god’ instead of the Living God.
3. When financial growth outweighs serving others.
A preoccupation or even obsession with financial growth and performance is another warning sign. Whether it’s sports, politics or Facebook, we are all susceptible to becoming obsessed and quickly self-absorbed. How often do you check your savings or portfolio balance? How much time and energy are dedicated to profit and financial growth?
As you inventory your life, reflect briefly on how much time are you dedicating to profit and financial growth in comparison to serving others around you? Philippians 2:3 provides a good admonishment if the ‘replacement god’ of wealth has stolen our hearts, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.”
3 Signs We Are Serving God
1. God is our security.
If we are serving God, our lives demonstrate that He is our security, and we will turn and rest in Him each day as our security instead of wealth or another ‘replacement god’. Psalm 18:1-2 reveals David’s heart, “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.”
David was a wealthy man yet we can see that he clearly served God over his wealth. While not perfect, he rested in God for security. We must strive to follow David’s example who was endorsed by the real God as “a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” (Acts 13:22).
2. Resting in God through life’s problems.
When we serve God instead of wealth, we turn first to Him when difficult times come (and they will). We first turn to Him in prayer, submission and total dependence, rather than trying to solve the problem with money or in our own strength. Problems and difficulties become an opportunity to rest on God and His precious promises to carry us through. “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble.” (Psalm 37:39)
3. A life marked by service to others.
Jesus set the ultimate example of service to others. While on earth, his days were filled with ministry that included preaching the Gospel, teaching, raising the dead, healing, reaching the lost, feeding the hungry, and much more. While we will never fully meet this standard, we can strive to be like Christ, and be intentional about serving others. By serving others, and giving our time, talent and treasure regularly, cheerfully and sacrificially, the ‘replacement god’ of wealth, loses its grip and power.
Is God our Treasure?
I was astonished at the passion and energy dedicated to the return of the real referees to the NFL. Hundreds of thousands of people were not willing to sit on the sidelines and tolerate this compromise of integrity to the game of football. The result was a successful negotiation and restoration of the real referees.
We too should be vocal about the ‘replacement god’ of wealth and not sit on the sidelines. I challenge all followers of Christ reading this article to first rid themselves of this ‘replacement god’ and to put the real God in his rightful place. I also encourage readers to take action and let your family, friends and churches know that you will not tolerate this compromise of integrity to the Christian faith. Perhaps we too will see a national movement that leads to a successful restoration of the real God to His rightful place in the hearts of His children.
Is God your treasure? What other lessons can be learned here? Leave a comment below!
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
It is indeed very true that many people including Christians are in the rat race to achieve financial security and so-called financial freedom. The bible says in Matthew 6:19-24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] 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.” I think there needs to be a change in focus where people choose to please God and lay up treasures for themselves in heaven by fulfilling the ministry of reconciliation granted to each child of God.
This is good, Chris… I am posting this site on my facebook page. I do this for two reasons:
1. There is a lot of talk about how Obama or Romney can save America from its financial woes. Alas… only obedience to God can.
2. Your article points to the real author of security.
It’s good for many reasons….
Amen! Like Steve’s comments too. It’s important also to keep in mind that just like the “real refs” were locked out, the Lord can be locked out of our financial decisions, too. Not the smart way, but all to easy to take. Especially because He doesn’t blow a whistle. He just quietly retires…
This is good, Chris… I am posting this site on my facebook page and this comment:
“I felt compelled to post this article by my good friend of many years, Chris McDaniel.
I do this for several reasons:
1. It reminds me that I often forget that my destiny and life is eternal and not dependent upon circumstance that the winds of this world blow my way.
2. It redirects my eyes and thoughts on the real issues of life… charity, the benevolence and fear of God… and considerations for my neighbor.
3. It reminds me of what Jesus told us in Matthew 6:
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
4. And finally… It reminds me that with all the talk about how Obama or Romney can save America from its financial woes… It is all Vanity without the Lord.
5. And when my eyes are on God… all this foolishness vanishes away…
Chris, this is good. It made me think about the book, The Picture of Dorian Grey. Dorian makes a deal with the devil in order to keep his good looks. The Devil offered life–well, counterfeit life–but by the time Dorian knew it wasn’t real it was too late. The deal was done and he was stuck. Not even his good works could undo the ugliness in the picture. Eventually, the deal with the Devil undid Dorian and lead to his death. Death–be it spiritual or physical–is always the result when we choose the counterfeit over the real thing!
Thanks Chris, I am goig to pass this along to my FB friends.
This is a great article. Thanks for sharring Chris!
Very well said Chris, and great analogy. I look for these analogies in everyday life, as I find that these are the clues and signals that we are always looking for, if we only have eyes to see them…
Chris. Thanks for an interesting post.
I have a different perspective on two of your points and I’d like to share them with you.
“Pursuit of Financial Security”
- Many Americans aspire to this but few reach it. Their actions don’t follow. As a result our country is woefully unprepared for retirement. According to the NYT in 2010 75% of Americans had less than 30k in their retirement accounts.
So in fact, an increased focus on financial security is needed.
“When Financial Growth Outweighs Serving Others”
Just look at Hollywood. You make a good point here. At the same time financial growth is often the essence of helping others. Building businesses, creating jobs, providing people with opportunity – these are the building blocks of serving others in our country.
You make some very good points and your emphasis on humility is helpful reminder. Your spiritual insights however come at the expense of economic realities. I think a bit more balance would be helpful.
Thanks again for the post.
Chris. Thanks for your point by point reply. Indeed it is wonderful to have a thoughtful dialogue about some of these issues. And how timely it is that we’re participating in these discussions the morning after our first presidential debate!
One point of context. In general I would say a key difference we have, and I could be incorrect here and am open to feedback, is that you are looking at considering these questions with the scriptures as your primary foundation. I have to admit I am outside of my field of competence here. I look forward to learning from you on this perspective. I am looking at these items primarily from an economic perspective.
Your perspective makes sense. I think its what most readers expect. In fact you call one of your major sections “3 Signs We Are Serving Wealth”.
But one point I hope to make is that the economic realities are conflicting with our finest moral aspirations as a society (many of which you eloquently articulate).
On the first point, you are dead on correct. American’s perception of wealth (and the fake fame that comes along with it) as well as the desire to ‘no longer work’ and ‘do whatever you want’ in retirement is highly disconcerting. Life is so much more than these low minded dreams.
With that said, my contention would be that Americans have categorically failed in their aspiration to this goal (see earlier data point from the NYT). Why is this relevant? Because even though the initial intention behind the aspiration (to not have to work, etc.) was ill-advised, the economic repercussions of not preparing for retirement are dire in our country.
Should the concept of American retirement be reformed and amended to be more ethically mindful? Absolutely. Is it our number one problem for our boomer generation? No, in my opinion. Health costs, not being able to meet mortgage payments, inability to buy sufficient food, not having the funds to see your grandkids, imposing your economic pressures on the next generation…these are critically important problems to solve.
So I think, and I’m definitely rambling here…that your depiction of “financial security” as an idea with ethically questionable grounds, while a valid moral point, is at the same time missing the economic reality. We need more financially security, not less. We need responsible savers, supporting entitlement programs, and disciplined financial planning.
We should continue to refine and restructure how Americans think about their ability to live their senior lives with love for others and generosity. But the economic gap we have with prepping the boomer generation for retirement is staggeringly large in our economy. Our unfunded Medicare/Medicaid commitments will break the backbone of our economy if we don’t reform them. These are economic facts that we must deal with, or they will deal with us.
Now, if you think we should reform the entire concept of retirement and that people should expect to work into their 70′s and 80′s if they are able…well that’s a different discussion (which I’m happy to have) entirely.
On your second point I think I agree with you and you have helped me think through how I can adjust my own perspective on the role of the church. “To me, building wealth isn’t the primary issue, nor the primary focus for the church.” This is correct. In fact, when the church has gotten involved in raising significant funds and building and war chest of wealth it has not worked out well at all.
And the contribution levels you mention about Christian giving is a real challenge.This is something that needs more attention and the issues are deeply imbedded in American’s psychological relationship with the concept of wealth as you point out.
Thanks again for your input. Would love to hear your further thoughts!
I think that much of the gap between generosity and responsible savings when it comes to retirement can be bridged by being satisfied with a lower standard of living. As Chris correctly points out, the world is influencing us to put our security and hope in a “retirement fund”. As JP correctly points out, as a society we are not saving enough for the retirement we want (individually) and are pressuring our government to subsidize us at a level we cannot (collectively) afford. I agree with JP that it is irresponsible to impose economic pressures on the next generation. But where are those pressures coming from – subsistance or luxury? I think much of the personal and national struggles come from feeling entitled to a historically unprecedented standard of living.
What if we were happy with a lower standard of living? Would it mean we might die sooner (rather than be prolonged in a nursing home)? Would people need to eat better and exercise more if they wanted to stay healthy? Would it mean we would have to live in a small apartment? Can we put on a sweater instead of turning on the heat? Do we need cable TV or even a car? Would a “low” standard of living actually be incredibly high compared to any other time in history or even now in most other places in the world? If a certain standard of living was good enough for Jesus, couldn’t it be good enough for us? And if we were satisfied with it, knowing that our *real* life was in heaven and not this (clearly) temporary life on earth, how much would it really cost to retire? (especially if you never planned to stop working until you had to)
Scott –
Thanks for your response. You make some great points.
Your questions in the second paragraph are great ones to reflect on. For me personally, I fail to live within what is sufficient all the time. Thank you for these – it gives me some good things to consider.
From an economic side I think you are incorrect in your analysis.
To repeat my earlier point from the NYT:
75% of Americans had less than 30k in their retirement accounts.
That’s right. They have 30 years of living left and they have barely enough savings for one year. They are below the poverty line by a significant margin.
Helping people change their mid set about living standards is important. But first we need to help them get enough retirement savings to eat.
Chris,
great article, the definition of security really shines through for me. Trying to find contentment and security through my own resources (and resourcefulness), rather than turning to God as my “fortress”, “tower”, “refuge”, and source of provision is an ongoing learning area. Thanks for another good reminder on where to focus in this area!
Thank you for that Chris. I think it’s really easy to get caught up with earthly things and securities. It is important to remember why God put us on this earth and this article is a nice wake up call.
To Store or Trust God
For me… it is not an either or proposition… it is an ‘and’
The bottom line is this: 1. Who is your source and 2. How are you to maintain stewardship of it.
With these troubled time… folks are going nuts concerning reliance on the infrastructure. It’s probably because they are trusting in it more than God. Or just so used to it they don’t know what to do without it. For me… like Joseph and the ant… I have been buying some long term freezed dried provisions. Seeds also. I’m thinking like EVERYONE thought in 1880… the root cellar concept.
But… what if I am raided? What if there are starving people around us? Do I stick my gun out the window and ‘defend?’
I see it like this… My trust is in the Lord for every circumstance. I use common sense like the Ant. I use the means of provision so I won’t be a burden on anyone. And in times of great need… like money in the bank… I can trade and give as a ministry for the glory of Christ. AS A STEWARD wisdom is not in the accumulation of things… wisdom is in the HANDLING of the things entrusted.
If it ever comes to such a time where we were raided… or the government confiscated… or people were in need… then we must ALWAYS remember that EVERY circumstance is a Romans 8:28 provision to further build our character to hear to whispers of God and do God’s will.
THIS LIFE, though important, is for the glory of God… whether in eating, drinking or the lack of it. OUR REAL HOME is eternal. If it weren’t, Jesus would not have said so much about it. It doesn’t mean being foolish… It does mean cracking open the book for the principles and listening to the Holy Spirit for individual instruction.
I will defend the innocent if threatened with violence. But my wife and I would personally rather die and go home than allow ouselves to be caught up in the fear which would bring it upon others.
If we are to go down… we should go down with the gospel on our lips in the hope that those who would kill us, not ready to die themselves, may have a chance to hear the hope that could save them.
Hi Chris,
I thought your article was excellent.
Today I was listening to McGee talk about David’s sin of numbering the people. Seems to me it is exactly the same issue as the point you made about hoarding resources because you don’t trust the Lord to provide.
And then there is the North American view of retirement, which also seems to me to be pretty unbalanced. I’ve been thinking about this issue more since I turn 60 in December.
For me, it seems like there are several considerations regarding retirement. I think one should save responsibly for when we don’t have the ability to work, but in most cases I think that may be much later than age 65.
Given how I’m feeling today, I plan on working at least 10 more years if the Lord tarries and if I’m able. And then maybe even longer. One reason for me to work is that I would like to be even more involved with the work in Nicaragua both physically and financially. And even when I slow down, one reason to do that might be to spend more time working on projects in Nicaragua. Caleb set a great example for us, and I hope I can be like him when I grow up.
Thanks for a great article.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for another thought-provoking article. My wife and I are in the midst of trying to get out of debt and build wealth. Your biblically-based points remind us why we are doing this. I can see myself becoming obsessed with accumulating more and more money, without purpose for it. One way to do this is to remind ourselves that the money we have is not ours, it is God’s. God is funneling money through us for the benefit of others. While we aren’t yet sure exactly what that might look like years from now, we know from experience that being a debtor, being in debt, is not in God’s will.
I think I understand what you’re saying about retiring from work, traveling and having fun being anti-biblical (is that a word?!) I hear people talk about their retirement plans, see commercials and hear radio spots advertising retirement services, and I agree that it’s frustrating. Seems like somewhere along the way we began to define success differently than how God defines it. And so the pressure is on to perform and chase that definition so we can die while winning.
I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it: it is up to us to teach these principles to our children and to tell society that they are wrong when they say otherwise. And to lead by example: to read the bible, pray with God, and try the best we can to mirror Jesus’ teachings.
I feel like I could go on and on about this, but I’ll get back to your points. For us to not save for retirement means risking losing everything we have come to know as normal. I don’t think that’s where the change can start. It has to start pre-retirement, when our daily lives are defined. So that when we are done earning money for a living, we already have that trust in God to rely on. That will be when we can say,”I’ve won.”
Chris, sorry for the delay in responding, but in fact, I have been applying your principles this past month and half in a new way – I’ll explain. As you know me personally and my position on applying my resources as based on Malachi 3:10, I have been “retired” from the “workforce” since mid-2010. But I am not retired from work. I am busier now than when I was earning a living – whatever that means. Yes, I have a retirement income, but as yet, and probably never, do I plan on using it to pamper myself. I have no “bucket list” per se. I feel I am using these resources to serve others. Case in point. There is much work and many financial needs just at my church alone. I have poured many hours and dollars in repairing badly needed infrastructural things, helping establish community outreach projects, serving in different positions to assist the pastor – just for starters. I also believe charity begins at home. Recently, my wife (handicapped with MS) and I have helped our daughter (who lives in NM, we in Utah) move from an apartment complex, where the seedy side have begun to move in to a better location within her community. We do not want our 7 year old granddaughter exposed to the demonic environment we began to see invading this apartment complex. Yet there was no way our daughter could afford a better apartment, and certainly not a home, whether to rent or buy. She knew the danger, but also trusted the Lord to protect her – which He most certainly has don. Her income as an Administrator for a local Christian private school in her community, keeps her in the lower income level, and only qualifies her for Medicaid, due to her income. So we decided to use our retirement income to buy a home there and allow her to live in it, but pay us slightly more than what she is paying rent now. We’ll cover the balance of the mortgage. This gets her and her daughter into a more secure neighborhood, and we’ve already met some very loving and kind neighbors who attain the same values and morals as ourselves and that of our daughter.
These, to me, are some forms of applying our retirement toward the work of the Lord. As such, I don’t look at the change in my life as retirement, the way the average American defines it. I see it as changing my station in life and applying my talents and gifts God has given me toward new things to which He directs me. I fully trust where God has always placed us and this is where He has us right now. Will it change? Most likely. When you serve God, you never know where He will Call you next.
I appreciate JP’s view of the world, but America has always been a place where people are free to choose what they want to do. It may well take a financial collapse or major crisis to “wake up the sleepers”, and if God so chooses to allow this nation to go through a cleansing, than so be it – if for no other reason than we deserve it. Our collective greed, self-centeredness, corruption, and the list is endless, have placed us where we are right now. However, there has always been a remnant of believers who start the process over again, if it comes to that.
Honestly, Chris is right, God must come first, in everything. This nation must first turn back to God, become humble before Him and ask for forgiveness. Then and only then, will the things JP speaks of be corrected and set on the right path.