Recession, double-dip recession, bank scandals, stimulus plans. Unemployment at all time highs, money lenders tightening their purses, fears of corruption in the capitalist system.
It’s also been said that money is the root of all evil.
But actually, that’s not what the Bible says. 1 Timothy 6:10 really says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (italics mine)
Related, in Ecclesiastes 5:10 it says, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
But this post isn’t about money actually.
It’s about prayer.
It’s about praying for the people who are responsible for money, for banks, for taxes, for accounts. Far too often we look negatively at the accountants and the bankers. We judge the tax collectors and the economists. But truth be told, they need our prayers as much as anyone else.
We need to pray that their hearts are guarded against temptation. That their minds are kept sharp on how to use the money wisely. We need to pray for their wisdom on the stewarding of finances. We need to pray for them to have strength against the politics that they face in their workplaces. To pray that they will stand with Christ and challenge those who do wrong.
There are many in the banking, finance, and accountancy world who are not lovers of money. In fact they love people. They love to help people manage their money, to bless them and help others. Let’s pray that they are encouraged. That they serve the Lord with all their heart in this. That even as Zaccheus loved the Lord with all his heart, he was able to stand blameless with Christ defending Jesus’ honour.
This week let’s pray for our brothers and sisters in the finance industry. And we pray that God uses them for His glory in the jobs that he’s placed them in. Lift up all those you know who are working (and studying hard) in the finance industry.