God is a Jealous God
In Deuteronomy, we learn that God is a jealous God (Deut 6:15). As I reflect on this Scripture, I see a parent's love for their child as an unbreakable bond. The parent will do everything for his child's success while the child reciprocates this love with obedience. However, if the child disregards the parent and starts prioritizing other things over his parent, the parent may become distant. Similarly, God solidified His love toward believers with an oath sealed through His Son, Jesus. However, when believers start prioritizing other things over their fellowship with God, does God distance Himself? This is a question that I must ponder.
I say this because many individuals equate monetary rewards with a favorable connection with God. Nevertheless, when they prioritize everything except fellowship with God, this lack of prioritizing God can distance one's relationship with Him. This distance occurs because God desires a reciprocal relationship where believers actively seek Him and prioritize their connection. Have you ever thought that our relationship with God is not just about asking for favors but also about what we can do to bring joy to Him? Relationships exist as a two-way street! When monetary gain starts to dwindle, some individuals question their shortcomings, prompting them to reevaluate while feeling guilty about their lack thereof. However, mature believers understand that God is their source instead of their resource. Their understanding allows them to delve deeper into the WHY while grasping the need for dependence on God instead of independence from God. During their time in the wilderness, the Israelites failed to understand the WHY – their need for dependency. For this reason, God only provided enough bread for each day except for the Sabbath to encourage their dependency. Nevertheless, they failed to grasp and live this concept. Today, such understanding allows us to delve deeper into God’s Words for peace and comfort when the unfortunate happens. When you understand that God is your source, it means recognizing that He is the provider of everything. Instead of seeking money as a byproduct that you tend to measure as your connection with God, mature believers rely on God for everything, including His guidance, strength, worth, and provision in all aspects of life. Mature believers realize their identity comes from their relationship with God, not from the abundance of or the lack of monetary value. In the model prayer, Jesus reminds the believers as follows:
Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 NKJV
When money takes precedence in church services, it troubles my spirit. Money is a tool we use in the natural realm, but it cannot replace the importance of faith and prayer. We must remember that God is the source of all and must hold Him as our center of gravity. Without God, we are nothing. We must cultivate an understanding that God provides not in excess but in our daily needs. So, despite the large sums raised during the offerings, God, the source, may become jealous when we forsake dependence on Him in favor of money. The writer of Proverbs warns his reader of similar mishaps in Proverbs 30:8-9.
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
Remember, God does not measure our efforts by excessive giving or receiving in the monetary value of church offerings. Instead, He values the condition of our hearts toward Him and others. Therefore, I urge you to stay mindful of your priorities. When we ensure that God remains the highest priority, we will receive honor and please our Heavenly Father, just as His Son, Jesus, did. It is never about the amount we give but the state of our hearts that truly matters to God.
