Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6
“The difference between a natural mind and a spiritual mind is this: a person with a ‘natural’ mind uses human reasoning before deciding to obey God’s Word. A person with a ‘spiritual’ mind begins by obeying a scriptural command and then afterwards understands the hidden wisdom and purpose behind the command.”
Selwyn Hughes in Divine Mathematics: A Biblical Perspective on Investing in God’s Kingdom (Surrey, UK: CWR, 2004) 64.
You can’t overthink biblical teaching on money or it will lead you to miss the purpose behind Christ’s commands, natural thinking, and death.
It reminds me of a reading in my devotional book, Steward, entitled, “Stupid, A Socialist, or Savior.” Therein I wrote the following.
“On a famous BBC radio broadcast C.S. Lewis said that Jesus is either a ‘Lunatic, Liar, or Lord’. Related to money, a similar line fits Jesus.
On money, Jesus is either ‘Stupid, a Socialist, or Savior’. He’s either dumb as His teachings on money sound fiscally loose and irresponsible. Or, He’s a socialist that seems to demand forced sharing. Or, He’s trying to save us from serving an alternate God, money.
Only when we obey Him as Savior do we realize that He’s not trying to rob us but help us. In instructing us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, He’s shaping our hearts to care about the things He cares about. And He’s helping us prepare for life eternal.
Only in obedience to our Savior do we as stewards find freedom from service to money. We don’t figure it out until we live it out. The freedom is not for self-indulgence but for serving our Savior.
Savior Jesus, I don’t think you are stupid or a socialist. Help me obey Your teachings on money as a faithful steward. Amen.”
Does the way you handle money reveal that you see Jesus as stupid? Do you ignore His commands? Or do you see him as a socialist, forcing you to obey? Or as Savior? You obey and, in so doing, have grasped real life.
If you want to download Steward freely and break away from the thinking of the natural mind, click here. We all can overthink things, but when we do, we miss the kingdom.
Put money where God says to put it. Obey and afterwords understand.