Having Our Needs Met
It is possible to have a massive income yet our needs are not met. Money only goes so far in life, it is quite inadequate. It makes many things in life easier but it is not real provision. Money is only one of Gods many tools of provision. The provision of Jesus Christ is what we really crave. In fact Jesus Christ himself is the real provision of life.
Successfully going after and obtaining money is not the same as being provided for by God. The money you may gain by your hard work or hard selling is its own reward, and it can be deeply unsatisfying. Ease and pleasure relieve the difficulties, stress, and pains of life yet when they are gone we VERY quickly realize that something deeper is unsatisfied.
What we all really crave is the provision of God, and provision is absolutely bound up in and within Jesus Christ. Real provision originates from him and it flows from him and only from him. Money flows independent from him but provision does not. The provision of Jesus Christ often includes money yet its a small part of it. To make money the entirety of provision is to deeply misunderstand Jesus Christ.
Constant overspending and borrowing is an indication that we have hearts aimed at money. Money is provision to this person, and so there is never enough, the hope that more satisfies the heart and removes our troubles keeps us in pursuit of more. This often makes a person greedy (whether they have a lot of money or a little.)
Workaholism and business greed shows the same thing.
Instead be okay with going without and being in lack of money. It is ok, even give away what little you have. Let Jesus provide for you when, where, and how he decides. Settle it in your heart that Jesus himself is your provision.
It’s true that Jesus “gives us power to gain wealth” but we can also gain wealth in our own power by simply bowing down to the money system around us. Worshiping it and making it a thing we chase after and seek first.
The money system requires our attention, our focus and our minds (all of it). Chasing after money and things like food, clothing, and prestige can enslave us for life.
The Provision of Jesus Christ
Wealthy people are not necessarily blessed people. Poor people are not necessarily cursed people.
In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus clearly taught that the gentiles seek after provision and the things that money can buy. As they go about their day they are in hot pursuit of provision. His people however were to seek first him personally, his kingdom coming here to earth. Then God would be their provision.
Do not worry then, saying “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” of “What will we ear for clothing?” 32 For the gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things, 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Jesus Christ
