Greetings, HavanaPres!
I reread Luke 16:1-13 after lunch on Sunday afternoon. I didn’t have to use lectio divina* to be convicted by verse 13. “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
I like to think that Mark and I try to be good stewards of the money that we’ve received through employment, bequests, etc. We support the church and other charities, don’t we? We don’t constantly seek to get more, so by at least one definition of greed, we’ve escaped that. But — and here’s the question I’m hoping you’ll wrestle with alongside me here — do I actually DESPISE money?
What does despise mean, anyway?
Here’s the definition from Merriam Webster:
1: to look down on with disrespect or aversion
2: to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/despise
Using this definition, I think there may be some hope for me. Compared to true riches (redemption and life in the church), I regard money as negligible in where I put my value. It’s not saying much but it’s a start.
Please share your thoughts and let me know I’m not struggling with this alone!
*Bible Gateway has an excellent introduction to lectio divina if you want to learn more: https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/scripture-engagement/lectio-divina/home
Your sister in Christ,
Sue
First Presbyterian Church of Havana, Florida 