‘Money, money, money in a rich man’s world…’

‘Continuing turmoil in financial markets’
‘Nightmare on Wall Street’

These are strange times. One of Americas largest and oldest banks folds. The UK’s largest mortgage lender sees its share price tumble before being taken over. Governments intervene and central banks throw in billions to shore up struggling economies.

And it’s not just the ‘fat cats’ who suffer. It’s everyone. House prices, interest rates, dwindling pension funds; these things affect us all. On top of that we face rising food prices and escalating energy costs, There is a spirit of uncertainty and fear.

What would Jesus say to this? Well, some startling things.

Give it away.
So goes his advice to the rich young man (Matthew 19:16–22). Money gets in the way of our relationship with God. It becomes a false god. Perhaps we are reaping the consequences of worshipping a false god for too long.

Sort your priorities.
This life isn’t all there is – and it’s the one to come that matters (Mathew 19:27–30). Where is our treasure?

Live by God’s grace.
The Vineyard Workers Union were justifiably upset (Matthew 20:1–16). The same wage for those who worked all day and for those who worked for an hour? Unjust. True – but God doesn’t deal with us on the basis of what we deserve (just as well!), but on the basis of his magnificent generosity.

Be servants.
Don’t get caught up in the power games of this world (Matthew 20:20–28). Learn to use what you have for the benefit of others.

So when things fall apart around us, we can take a longer view. Our final security lies, not in what we have, but in the love and goodness of God. That’s where our focus should be.