“The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.” – Luke 16:14
Have you ever been ridiculed by people who thought they knew it all? Jesus certainly was! The religious elite of the day thought Jesus was clearly foolish, especially about money. If Jesus was ridiculed, then as one of His followers, you probably should expect to be laughed at too. Nobody likes being made fun of, laughed at, mocked, and dismissed as a fool. Nonetheless, if you’re serious about following Jesus you may get treated like Him. Just make sure it’s for the right reason!
Jesus was being mocked for His teachings about money. He argued that you can’t serve both God and money, because one will always become dominant over the other. That doesn’t mean you can’t serve God and have money, but you can’t serve God and also chase after money with great energy and enthusiasm. When pursued aggressively, money gradually shoves God aside in your heart, leaving you serving a false god. Realize this can happen, even with the best of intentions, and don’t let it happen to you.
Jesus talked a great deal about money. He talked about not worrying about money and just serving God. He talked about managing your money as a steward on God’s behalf rather than thinking you own any money. He talked about using your money for God’s Kingdom, to help people come to know Jesus as Lord. Much of what Jesus taught about money still surprises people and leaves them questioning whether He was serious. He was! Christians today can be just like those Pharisees – loving money and (quietly) making fun of those who live by the teachings of Jesus.
Take time to study what Jesus taught about how to use whatever money you have, whether a lot or a little, for God’s Kingdom and glory. Rather than argue about why it can’t be true, simply trust in Jesus. Don’t accidentally become like the Pharisees. Intentionally #FollowJesus