Money is Not Your Measure

“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Luke 6:34

As a Christian, most of us know of the warnings given in scripture about focusing on accumulation in this world and putting your faith in money. In prior posts, we’ve talked about lagging and leading indicators. Money/Wealth/Cash is clearly a lagging indicator. It is the result of something that has happened before.

That something could be the winning the lottery or delivering amazing value to your customers for the last 20 years. It (the cash) didn’t just show up on its own.

In today’s post, we’re going to dig deeper into Luke 6:34 and see how it applies to your life and your business.

This scripture is part of the Beatitudes that are written in Luke 6 and Matthew 5. Only in Luke are the four woes – woe to those who are rich, full (not hungry), who laugh and who are spoken well of.

Disclaimer: I am a very long way from being an expert on the Bible. I’m a business guy. I big fan of capitalism and a follower of Christ. I’m just trying to learn and share as I go. Please research the scripture for yourself and share with us what you learn.

These “woe” verses kinda freak me out. As a capitalist and business person, the economics of our businesses are a big indicator of how we are doing (although a lagging indicator). I’m also really well fed, try to laugh as much as I can and I’m generally well thought of (I hope).

These verses are in red letters. It was a direct quote from Jesus. What did Jesus mean when he said it? Did he mean that we should all aim for poverty, lack and solemnness or did he mean that we should be focused on God rather than riches? Let’s dig deeper.

Verse 20 and verse 24 work together. Verse 20 states “blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Verse 24 – “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your reward.” Why are the poor blessed and why is there woe for the rich? It is just the opposite of what we see in the world today and what the hearers of Jesus’s words saw back then.

Jesus also stated in Matthew 19:24 “..it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Thankfully, Jesus adds in a save in verse 26 stating “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Why is it so hard for the rich enter the kingdom?

Because rich people can’t help but trust in their riches! Think about it. When you do you feel safe in your business, your personal life? When your retirement account is filled up and when you have ample cash in the bank? Yeah – me too. And that is wrong.

Our faith must be in Christ and Christ alone.

Does that mean that cash and surplus is something that you should run from? No. Just don’t trust in it. Trust in the Lord and follow the golden rule. Treat your customers like you would want to be treated. Work for them as if you are working for the Lord and odds are that your business will prosper.

But it might not. Stuff happens. And if your business fails, it shouldn’t crush you. Why? Because, as a Christian, your hope is in the Lord. Not your business, your wealth or your retirement account.

What is the leading indicator of your financial success? How you treat your customers and how they feel about your business. That is what your focus should be on. How well are you living out the golden rule in your business?

Do you know? If not, we can help. Contact us now via our website or just give us a call at 229-375-5613.

Thank you for being a part of our values driven community!

Image courtesy of http://christianity.about.com.

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