Trust in the Lord

Trust involves confidence and reliance

The motto on our money reads: “In God We Trust,” but do we? Trust involves confidence and reliance. Quite honestly, for many, the motto would be more accurate if it read, “In Thee (money) We Trust.”

Materialism is a roadblock

Materialism has been and continues to be one of the greatest roadblocks to spiritual growth and maturity. Jesus had more to say regarding this sin than any other. In the Sermon on the Mount He said: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:19-21, 24).

The love of money

The apostle Paul offered a similar warning: “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Money is not inherently evil, but the love of money is!

Set your hopes on God

The apostle went on to say: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Money is not the true measure of a man

It never has been, and it never will be. Thus, Jesus warned: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

Men are fallible, not always dependable

Men also have a tendency to place their confidence in other men, only to be greatly disappointed. Because men are fallible, they are not always dependable. God, on the other hand, will never let us down. This led the Psalmist to observe: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in men. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes” (Psalm 118:8-9).

Trust Him

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7). We must put our trust in HIM, and HE will never let us down!