The One-Year Bible - 6 February 2012

Readings:
Exodus 23:14 - 25:40
Matthew 24: 29-51
Psalm 30: 1-12
Proverbs 7: 24-27

Psalms reading: "When I was prosperous, I said, 'Nothing can stop me now'".  How often we fall into this trap - we go through times of trial, during which we ask God for provision and blessing.  Then when God honours this prayer and blesses us, we think it's all about us.

It is for this reason that Jesus remarked that "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven".  The problem is not with being wealthy; the problem is that we become self-reliant and are no longer dependent on God.  Many a wealthy person has encountered a business disaster that has resulted in the total loss of their wealth, suddenly finding themselves without the bank balance they regarded as their security.

Churches, too, fall into this trap.  I know of a church that had struggled for many years that was one day left a massive legacy by one of its members who had recently died.  There was great rejoicing at what was seen as God's provision, and certainly much good was done with this money.  Unfortunately, the congregation began to look to these funds for their provision, and stopped being obedient to God in their giving.  When the money dries up, this congregation is in for a shock, since the discipline of regular, consistent giving will have been lost.