Who do you serve?

You can follow God or money, but not both.

On March 31st, 1999, a movie titled The Matix released. Neo (Keanu Reeves) believes that Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) can answer his question — What is the Matrix? Neo is offered the choice between a red pill and a blue pill by this rebel leader, Morpheus. The red pill would free him from the enslaving control of the machine-generated dream world and allow him to escape into the real world. But living the “truth of reality” is harsher and more difficult.

On the other hand, the blue pill represented a beautiful prison, which would lead him back to ignorance. He would live in confined comfort without want or fear within this simulated reality of the Matrix. Holding out a capsule on each of his palms, Morpheus describes the choice facing Neo. “This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember, all I’m offering is the truth. Nothing more.”

“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 6:24

Make a choice. God or money.

You can follow God or money, but not both.

God has a lot to say about money in the Bible. There are more than 2,000 scriptures on tithing, money, and possessions in the Old and New Testaments. That’s double the number of references to faith and prayer combined. God has a good reason why he spends so much time talking about money. Money will be one of the fiercest idols you face in your relationship with God. When it comes to our relationship with God, all I’m offering is the truth. Nothing more.

You know what’s not exciting? Paying bills. You know what is exciting? Positioning your local church financially to accomplish what God is leading them to do in your community. In the words of the apostle Paul, “See that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Cor. 8:7, NIV).

The Bible teaches that Christian giving is an act of worship. Do you realize that giving is a part of worship? Is your worship in this area abundant or inhibited? I understand this topic is uncomfortable for many. But talking about money is essential to equipping us to live out our faith in Christ. Not talking about money is like not warning someone of impending danger.

Think about this. Ships don’t sink because of the water AROUND them, ships sink because of the water that gets IN them. Get in the habit of giving things away. Jesus is the most generous person who ever lived. In response to Jesus’ generosity, we are called to be generous. We can’t take it with us when we go. Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and money” (Matt. 6:24). Christian giving must be willing and free.

Are you giving willingly?

Make a choice. God or money.

You can follow God or money, but not both.