Money Turns a lot of Us Into Functional Christian Atheists

By Pastor Rey Diaz

Money is something you can touch, something you can see, and even smell (though I wouldn’t suggest it – where has that dollar bill been?). You can track money in your bank account and trade it for food, fun, whatever. It is easy to look to finances with confidence and expectation because it is so tangible.

God, on the other hand, it is a little less tangible to us. Most of us can’t see God directly, touch him, or track him concretely. If you have, may I introduce you to my friend, psychiatrist Dr. Vath? Yet this invisible God invites us into a relationship of trust. As Christians, we are encouraged to trust God about the tangible things right before us, like money.

Money may seem trustworthy, but especially during these hard economic times we all know the truth: money is fickle and fleeting. Despite our awareness of the transient nature of finances, we still place our trust there, rather than in God. We may say we believe and trust God, yet we live as if our finances are the boss. Craig Groeschel calls this sort of person a Christian Atheist: someone who says they believe in God but lives as if they really don’t. Why do we stress and worry so much about finances when God has promised to provide for us? Why can’t we consider ourselves like the lilies of the field or the birds of the air?

Let’s consider this week where we place our trust, and what we prioritize.

(2)    Priority Questions:  - Are you resting in God's promise about provision and protection?  Or do you often stress about money?  Do you save and feel like it is never enough?  Do you relate to money like a Christian or Christian Atheist?  

(1)    Trust Questions - Do you trust “Bill” or Jesus Christ? Who do you turn to for security, for fun, influence, or a sense of freedom? Who do you listen to more, who is more influential in your life?  Who do you tend to obey?

 He who trusts in his riches will fall,

but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

Proverbs 11:28