Day 206

Effects of worldly living

Key Verses: 1, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 15, 17

Notice that Christ’s reputation needs to be upheld by our actions. This even holds true with something as abhorrent as slavery. Scripture does not support slavery. We are all equally created in God’s image and likeness, and as such, we are all of inestimable value. But Paul says that even in a culture that supports slavery, the slave’s actions need to reflect Christ’s nature. Bad culture is no excuse for our negative behavior. We are responsible for our actions, regardless of what happens in a culture. Mob rule is no excuse. Past injustice does not excuse current injustice in the opposite direction.

We could get sidetracked from our central mission of the Gospel if we started arguing the merits of slavery. There are none! But this does not excuse believing masters from treating his slaves in a godly manner, or even freeing them. It also doesn’t free the slave to rebel, since he is now “free in Christ.” Everyone is responsible for staying focused on the goal of living in a way that wins the lost to Christ. Being a Jesus-follower is not a road to financial prosperity. It is a road to financial responsibility.

Money can get us in trouble. We start life with a net worth of zero and we will leave this world with zero. Why do we get so caught up in gaining in the intervening years? Be content. The pursuit of wealth has pulled many a life of course. Be content.

Instead of pursing money, Paul says we should pursue godly character. Paul sounds almost like a football coach at halftime. His team is winning, but he must keep them focused on the game, or they could easily lose in the second half. And in the middle of this coaching session Paul states some profound beliefs about the character and nature of God. Only God is immortal. Not even superheroes are. He can never die. He has always existed. Everything that we can possibly interact with both here on earth and out is space had a beginning, and will have an end. God has neither. He always existed and He always will.

Wealth is provided for our enjoyment, but with responsibility for others as part of the package. Without a focus on the needs of others, the wealthy can easily get lost in their spiritual journey. Wealth, when it is kept, becomes a weight born by the wealthy. Generosity is the only way for the wealthy to unburden themselves. It can be easy to trust wealth rather than trusting God.