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Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to spend some time in South Africa. While I was there, I was able to speak at several medium-security prisons. During one of these visits, I met someone who has now become like a brother to me.
Brandon was also traveling and speaking into the lives of others. To my surprise, he took me under his wing and began inviting me to speak alongside him all over South Africa. At first, I didn’t know how big of a deal this was.
I instantly began to meet some of South Africa’s most famous individuals through my relationship with Brandon. One of the first speaking engagements he told me about was traveling to the Oppenheimer’s farm. The Oppenheimers are the second richest family in South Africa, and one of the richest families in the world.
He began to explain that they would pick us up on a private jet and that he got paid a significant amount each day to speak. Brandon told me that he was willing to give me a chance to speak and that the money for that day would be mine. Through this one conversation, the financial burden of being in a foreign country suddenly seemed non-existent. Considering the Oppenheimer family are billionaires, I think we could all agree that money seemed to no longer be an issue.
The interesting thing about coming to Christ is that we all believe that God owns everything, but for some reason, the thought of serving a wealthy man brings us more security and comfort financially than the thought of serving that same God we claim to believe in.
“10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills or upon the mountains where thousands are. 11 I know and am acquainted with all the birds of the mountains, and the wild animals of the field are Mine and are with Me, in My mind. 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are Mine.” - Psalm 50:10-12 AMPC
A convicting thought comes to mind — Why am I at-ease at the thought of working for billionaires, but anxiety creeps in at the thought of working for God full-time? Is it perhaps our lack of faith in the God we talk about? Who do we think is more faithful?
“6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6 AMPC
In order to understand the right approach to serving God on earth, we must get advice from someone who was beside God when the earth was being formed.
“14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.” - John 1:14 AMPC
From twelve years old, we see that Jesus was focused on God’s business. And when He began His ministry, He inspired others to leave everything and solely focus on God’s business as well.
“18 As He was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He noticed two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, throwing a dragnet into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples—letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men! 20 At once they left their nets and became His disciples [sided with His party and followed Him]. 21 And going on further from there He noticed two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets and putting them right; and He called them. 22 At once they left the boat and their father and joined Jesus as disciples [sided with His party and followed Him].” - Matthew 4:18-22 AMPC
Jesus taught His disciples that if they focused on seeking God’s way of living, then everything would be provided for them. It seems as though Jesus knew that God was more faithful than working full time for the Oppenheimer family — which makes sense, considering He has actually been to Heaven and seen the wealth of His Father.
“31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? 32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. 33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” - Matthew 6:31-33 AMPC
We know in the Bible that the Gentiles were people that lacked the revelation and fear of God. So Jesus understood that devoting Himself completely to the work of His Father, that this mentality, would lead to Him having everything that He needed.
“10 And do not take a provision bag or a wallet for a collection bag for your journey, nor two undergarments, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the workman deserves his support (his living, his food).” - Matthew 10:10 AMPC
The scripture states clearly that we cannot serve God and mammon because we will love one and hate the other.
“24 No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in).” - Matthew 6:24 AMPC
The reality is that devoting our lives to serving wealthy people of this world doesn't actually. guarantee us anything but a spot at their next barbecue but devoting our lives to serving God gives us access to everything he owns.
31 And the father said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. Luke 15:31 AMPC
Question of the Day: Why would Jesus pay the full price for us if He only intended on us serving Him part time?