”Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5New International Version (NIV)
Hebrews 13:5 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Keep your lives free from the love of money
Hebrews 13:5, themed “Keep your lives free from the love of money”, forms part of the conclusion to the Letter to the Hebrews. In this section, the author reminded the saints to proceed with the Christian journey. Consequently, he encouraged them to continue in perseverance (Hebrews 12:1).
At the time, many had lost their way (faith). And the author had identified that “the love of money” had become a special temptation for those who abandoned the faith (1 Timothy 6:10).
Therefore, the author of this letter was preventing more saints from losing their way, especially through “the love of money”. He categorically encouraged them to “keep their lives free from the love of money“.
The love of money is fuelled by the fear of the lack of money. Fear of lack of money is a sign of a heart that loves money.
What I have come to realize is that you and I will never have complete control over our finances. When we set financial goals and stick to a financial plan, something always goes astray.
Therefore, despite your best intentions and sticking to a plan, you may find yourself in a financial mess. And this may raise anxiety concerning how you will meet your obligations. So you may find yourself worrying about your financial future.
Contentment
Consequently, the author of Hebrews commanded the saints to be contented with what they had. They had to learn to manage money as stewards of all that God has provided for them. Therefore, they were not to foolishly squander their provision through poor stewardship.
In other words, the love of money can be equated to covetousness. This is where you find yourself worrying over whether you have enough. And you consequently find yourself wanting more, if not hoarding what you have.
God will never leave you or forsake you
Therefore, you and I have to keep ourselves from the love of money and be contented with what we have because God is with us always. You have to trust God for what you have. He will never leave you or forsake you.
This is the implication of contentment. That is, contentment comes with trusting in God for what you have. And gratitude is what you are supposed to have, to God your provider.
Prayer/Blessing
Father in Heaven, I desire to be free from the love of money. I also desire to not crave money.
Help me be content with all my circumstances and satisfied with exactly what You have provided. Let me always remember to be thankful for the provision You have provided and the blessings You have given me.
Father, thank you for Your promises to me. I trust that You will never leave me, or forsake me. You will always meet me at my need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Luke 19-20 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
