JANUARY 4, Malachi 1:1

As mentioned two days ago, the days of Malachi were times of good life for the people. There were no wars to ravage the land and no invading troops to steal crops. There were no plagues or diseases to weaken the people. In fact, law and order in the land would be established soon. Peace would bring prosperity and economic progress to Israel. Yet all was not well in Israel.

When people become prosperous, the love of money, greed and covetousness may begin to take root in their hearts. If it becomes what is most important to them, they will grow spiritually cold and neglect their spiritual life. They may then claim to have no time for the things of the Lord. Money and profit become their idol. We may say such people worship money. With money comes worldly pleasures that so easily tempt us. That is one way people become more worldly and love the things of the world. God’s Word is clear: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

There is nothing wrong with being rich. However, it is wrong when the wealthy use their money without thinking how God would want them to spend it, and forget that it is actually God who gave them the strength and ability to make it in the first place. What are two ways you may not spend your money wisely?

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Thought: Do not let the love for money take root in your heart.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to use my pocket money wisely so that I will be able to glorify You even in the way I use it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen