In the next Words of Encouragement series we will dig into the idea of thinking that obtaining Cash, Cars & Cribs is what God called us to. We will also look into how the “American Dream” often interferes with “Christ Doctrine“. First lets break down what this Cash, Cars & Cribs (also known as “Triple C’s) idea is and what it looks like. We all know what cash is and the many ways i’ts obtained, good or bad. Cars seem to have become the new “toy” or collectors item for many of those who have cash. Cribs, also known as houses, have become the last item on the list; in my opinion they should be the first. Each of these items without discipline can end you. In Luke 12:15 (ESV) its says, “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Hold on, Jesus says “for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”, but America and society tells us money, power, respect. When the idea of something can’t be solved in the natural you have to look deeper into the spirit.

There is a story in the bible that is found in Luke that I want to share. This is a parable of what the bible calls the “Rich Fool” and how he allowed his possessions without discipline to guide him. Luke 12:13-21 (ESV) says, “Someone in the crowd said to him (Jesus), “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Jesus was explaining how people plan but plan for the wrong things. Possessions without direction makes an expensive mess. What we consider planning ahead as only for life on earth and not eternal life. As Christians our work is never done. All through the bible there is an understanding of “consistency” that attaches itself to every Christ driven person mentioned. In this parable, Jesus was trying to get them to understand that there is always going to be something far greater than anything you can ever possess.

I know that Cash, Cars & Cribs are things we all want. Although God has no problem with us having any of them, He does however have a problem with those things having us. Many of us won’t have these things because with them, it will destroy us. Many of us can’t see the love God has for us in protecting us from ourselves. What we often see is things not being fair or “bad luck” but it could be God loves you enough to build you up for heaven and not earth. Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) tells us, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” There is no greater love than the love Christ provides for His people. I challenge you today, to ask God to reveal to you “areas” where you need to change and improve, but allow Him the lead in the restoring process. For our help is in the Lord!

Be Blessed!