If there is no spiritual resurrection, your affection, ambition and quest for fame, money and pleasures remain corrupt. You must be crucified with Christ and die with Him before your ambition for financial miracles, fame and quest for anything on earth would be meaningful.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lived in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him” (Romans 6:5-8).
When you repent and give your life to Christ, you are raised with Jesus in resurrection. Your desires would be heaven-bound because you see yourself as a citizen of heaven. This will differentiate your desires from those who are not born-again. You will be motivated to seek God first before seeking other things. You will realize that God is in control.
A genuine Christian will happily cast off earthly ambitions and desires and reject any evil condition attached to anything such person wants. That is when you are able to enjoy wealth when it comes because there is no sorrow attached to it. God is involved fully and is ready to defend, protect and preserve all blessings you receive from Him.
“I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause” (Job 5:8).
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
“For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for the hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:14-16).
“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come” (Hebrews 13:14).
Ways that the Resurrection Life impacts our finances
As Christians, Christ’s resurrection should move our emotions and change the way we think about everything in our life, including our money. Here are a few ways in which the resurrection influences our financial decisions:
As a result of the resurrection, money is transformed into a temporary instrument with an everlasting impact.
Christ died, was buried, and rose again so that God might reconcile everything to Himself, including His relationship with us. The truth that humanity may now have their sins forgiven and maintain a proper connection with God is something that the whole world needs to hear. This is why Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all countries, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to follow everything I have told you. And I am with you always, until the end of the age” (NIV).
Certainly, we must personally go and create disciples. However, we have the chance to help local churches, ministries, and overseas missionaries who will spread the gospel across our communities and the globe.
In light of the resurrection, our belief is not based on money or materialism.
Throughout history, mankind have placed their faith in money and other possessions. This is why Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (NIV).
Christ’s resurrection demonstrates where we should lay our hope: in Him. He is the only One who can keep every promise. He is the only one who will not disappoint us. Money will fail us. Material objects will fail us. But He won’t.
In light of the resurrection, we make financial choices from an eternal perspective.
Jesus’ resurrection focuses our attention on eternity. Those who view through the prism of eternity see the fleeting character of money and other possessions. As a result, we prioritize larger, long-term goals in our financial choices. We utilize money in a manner that permits us to deposit treasure in heaven, where moth and rust will not ruin it and thieves will not steal it (Matthew 6:19–21).
Our financial choices often mirror our thoughts and feelings.
Because of the resurrection, we must make financial choices that are prayerful, intelligent, and biblical.
The resurrection reminds us that, one day, we shall enter eternity and be held accountable for what we did or did not do with the financial riches God has given to us. It will be very much like the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-28) for us. What would God say when we demonstrate how we managed His resources? Which servant shall we become?
The money choices we make on Earth are important. As a result, we must use caution and consideration while making decisions. As stewards, we must make prayerful, deliberate, and godly judgments so that we might hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”