Luke 18:18-34

"...How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (18:24-25 NIV)

The number one cause of divorce is money. It's also the number one topic for arguments between couples. Most people, in their adult life, will go through some period of time when they are worried about their finances. Entire television stations are dedicated to shopping, while on competing networks, entire shows are dedicated to helping individuals get out of debt.

We are obsessed with money.

In today's reading, Jesus warns us against placing a love of money ahead of a love of God. If money can destroy our relationships with other people, imagine the dangers of letting money cloud our connection with God.

I have been blessed to sing several times at a church in downtown Toronto. The congregation is very small. Most members are poor and live on the margins of society. They don't pass a collection plate, so as not to shame anyone who can't afford a donation. This church is primarily funded from outreach efforts. I first volunteered to visit them when I heard the pastor say, "Our congregation can't support themselves, so they can't financially support their church."

Last year, I brought two friends with me to sing on a Sunday morning. We participated in the worship and had a great time of fellowship. In the car after the service, I asked my friends what they thought of this unusual church.

One friend replied, "It's like their lack of material goods frees them up to communicate with God. There is a spiritual purity in there that I've never experienced in any other church."

Question: Is your love or need for money getting between you and God? If so, how can you clear up those channels of communication?


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 18:35-19:27

(Today's post written by Allison Lynn.)