god, the atm machine?
“Seek first His kingship over you, His way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides.” —Matthew 6:33
Many of us stock our pantry shelves with groceries. We fill our closets with clothes and our bank account with money. In building up stores of food, clothes, and savings, we must be perpetually careful that we don’t overstep the bounds of prudence and make our storehouse our provider rather than God (see Lk 12:16-21).
When we rely on our supplies instead of God, we risk turning God into an ATM machine which we approach only to make a withdrawal when in need. No one has a relationship with an ATM machine. They simply approach the machine impersonally on a transaction basis. No one thanks the ATM machine for dispensing money; no one loves the machine for satisfying a request.
God works on a daily-bread basis (Ex 16:4; Mt 6:11). A big component of this daily-bread provision is the relationship with God which grows daily in intimacy and trust (Mt 6:24-34). To approach God only in time of need would be like a spouse who avoids his or her partner except when the desire for comfort arises. That approach is exploitative and self-centered, rather than self-giving, ever-increasing in love, and constantly present.
Are we allowing the things of the world to displace God as Provider? (see 1 Jn 2:15-17) Trust God alone (see Ps 62:9). Detach yourself from the things of this world (see Phil 3:19). Love the Lord and put your life in His hands.
Prayer: Father, may I have no love for “the things that the world affords” (1 Jn 2:15). I will trust You every day for my needs.
Promise: “You cannot give yourself to God and money.” —Mt 6:24
Praise: Minutes before his martyrdom, St. John Fisher opened his Bible at random and read John 17:3: “Eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ.” Exultantly, he praised God for the last time.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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