Dave and Reb are taking a break from recording for a few weeks and are re-airing some of their favourites, and this show happens to be one of Rev. Ray Borg’s favourites! Happy summer and enjoy!
Rev. Ray Borg joins Dave and Reb in today’s discussion about God and mammon on their “Let’s Talk Money” podcast. In a book called It’s Not About the Money – unmasking mammon, Rev. Borg and colleague Jan Kupecz bring to light the words of Christ from Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13 warning people that you “cannot serve God and mammon.” On today’s show, Rev. Borg unpacks the meaning of “mammon” so we have a deeper grasp of what Jesus’ words mean for us in the 21st Century.
Mammon is a word that some people interchange with money, but it means much more than that. It is a word from ancient times with its origins in Aramaic, and long ago was an idol of worship. However, there are many more aspects to this entity, and Ray points out that mammon is the spirit of the world, which lies to us daily about what is important, what is to be valued and how we are to live our lives.
While their book identifies mammon and how it influences our culture, their focus is on discipleship and how stewardship is a part of our discipleship journey with Christ. Our financial journey isn’t about the money but about discipleship, and surrendering all that we are and all that we have to God.
“There are two main themes in the Bible: redemption and stewardship,” Ray says. “Redemption is God reaching out to save us and stewardship is our response.”
Dave believes that this is an important topic to discuss because it is not something people talk about, or even understand.
“What does Jesus mean when he says you cannot serve God and mammon?” he asks. “This question forces us to take a deep look at our lives and our bank accounts to see if what we say we believe is truly reflected in our active lives. Is our belief reflected in our stewardship?”
Tune in to listen to their discussion about these important questions. Go to notmine.ca to download a free copy of the book, or email info@notmine.ca with your name and address, to receive a free copy. Today’s show is sponsored by More Than Enough Financial, a financial coaching company encouraging people to walk in hope and freedom with God in their finances. Go to www.morethanenough.ca to learn more about accountability through coaching.