When You're Out of a Job...

Why does God allow us to earn money? Not so that we can use it to live selfishly, but so that we can use it to live in a way that is an expression of love - love for God and love for neighbor. These will define (and if necessary, restrain) the love we may have for ourselves.

The wonderful thing about this love is that we can express it regardless of how much money we may make - and even if we are without an income.

What is the significance of this? If you are currently without an income, don't wait around, thinking, "If only I had an income, I could serve God by... ." Rather, start expressing love for God and neighbor now! You're supposed to be doing it anyway!

Then when you do get a job, it will be easier for you to keep on expressing this love. Having already developed a "love focus," you will be less inclined to focus all your thoughts on how to gratify your own self-centered interests. Instead, your income will be a building block for the kingdom of God, rather than a stumbling block for your own soul.

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Possessions." (Matthew 6:24)

Dennis Hinks © 2004
(Matthew 6:24 - my translation)