Crazy Money! Resist Financial Temptation

It’s Crazy Money Day! 

Satan prowls around and attacks when things are going well and we let down our guard, or when we’re weak and feeling defenseless. King David was tempted during a time of great success in Israel. Jesus experienced temptation in the wilderness when hungry and physically weak. Satan told him to turn stones into bread. In other words, “Why not meet your need your own way?”

Does that sound familiar? When financial pressures mount, it’s tempting to solve it quickly: swipe a card, take a loan, compromise a value just to get some relief. Jesus resisted by saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” He trusted the Father’s provision over immediate comfort. Next, Satan tempted Him with presumption. “Throw yourself down. God will catch you.” For us, that looks like testing God with reckless decisions, assuming grace will cover poor stewardship. Jesus responded, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Finally, Satan offered power and wealth in exchange for worship, a compromise for influence and success. Jesus replied, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”

Resisting financial temptation requires dependence on God, prioritizing Him over our selfish desires. Over time, our character is strengthened, making us more resilient to future attacks. No matter how crazy your financial temptations, “…resist the devil and he will flee from you!”

Now, I’m excited to invite you to join us in Knoxville, Tennessee, this September 10th through the 12th. We’re celebrating our 50th anniversary, and we want you to come join us! Learn more at crown.org/50years.