I Don't Want Money, Abba,

 I Want You! 

 

"If you really know God as your loving heavenly Father, you consider companionship with Him your greatest treasure. I've heard of a father who had to be away from home about seven months. On his return he took his family to a shopping center. Handing some money to his little girl, he said, 'Lydia, take this money and buy anything you want.' The child's eyes filled with tears as she clung more tightly to his hand. 'What's the matter, Honey?' he asked. 'I don't want money, Daddy,' she said. 'I want you!' " - Illustrations Of Bible Truths

 

This story makes you wonder what many would do today in the Body of Christ. If there were two conventions in town - one on "God's Plan For You Is Prosperity" while the other was on "Getting To Know Father God" - which one would be packed to capacity?

 

Yes, God has promised His children prosperity as well as many other wonderful benefits, but how many are responding with great gratitude from their heart with these words - "I don't want money, Abba, Father, I want you!" 

 

Just how many in the Church today are crying out like the Apostle Paul - "That I may know Him!"  (Philippians 3:10) - or are they too busy pursuing after the riches of this world? And just how many search the Scriptures - not to learn of their Father's ways and find what pleases Him so as to walk accordingly -  but to claim all of the Scriptures in His Holy Bible that pertain to wealth, riches, and abundance?

 

"I don't want money, Abba, I want you!"  

 

Romans 8:15 says - "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

Galatians 4:6 says - "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father."

Mark 14:36 adds - "And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee..."

 

As Born-Again Christians, we "have received the Spirit of adoption." What that means is that we - who were once strangers - have now become members of God's family. He has become our Father and we are His beloved children. In a sonlike or daughterly fashion, we extend feelings of affection, love, endearing and humble confidence and dependence upon Him - delighting in Him and yielding our utmost obedience to Him. In response to our love and desire for Him, He - Who alone can do all things - gives us His protection, help, and care.

 

We are not under the dominion of "the spirit of bondage again to fear." In other words, we are not like fearful or cringing slaves who live under constant alarm or are subject to terror.

 

But are we? Is this really the case for all?

 

The Scripture plainly declares - "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

 

If this is true for every child of God - which it is - then why are there so many who are still in bondage to fear? Why is it that they cannot believe God for the impossible in their lives? Why do they live from day to day stressed out and worried over their circumstances?

 

Could it be that so many are focusing all of their attention and affection on the things of this world rather than on the Father Himself or His kingdom? Are they pursuing money rather than a knowledge of Him and His ways? Can it be true that many in the Body of Christ claim a relationship with "Abba, Father" when they don't even know Him because they don't spend time with Him?

 

How many today are "greatly" rejoicing in His "strength" and "salvation"(Psalm 21:1)? They enjoy salvation or deliverance from their foes...are released from pressures and restraints that bind them...have room to breathe - so to speak...are enjoying great success - and all because of His power.

 

How many are finding that when they trust in Him they are "helped" because He promises to be their "strength" and "shield"(Psalm 28:7)? He perfects all that concerns them...demonstrates His power on their behalf...exchanges His strength for their weakness in all trying situations...supports them with His grace...shields them from danger or innumerable evils...and protects them from all of Satan's malicious designs.

 

Truly, those who place their confidence in His power and promises find the assistance that they need.

 

"Abba" is their "salvation," "glory," "rock" of their "strength" and "salvation," and their "refuge."(Psalm 62:7; Psalm 95:1). Should they ever be afraid? Or why should they be discouraged? He offers His children protection, safety, deliverance - reasons to boast or glory in Him. He is their "rock" or "refuge" where no enemy can reach them. They are filled with peace, joy, and a great sense of security because their confidence and hope is in Him.

 

Father God "loveth judgment," "dost establish equity," and "executeth judgment and righteousness in Jacob"(Psalm 99:4). In other words, He loves justice. He sets up or allows opportunities where He can display His power or authority on the side of that which is equal, righteous, and just.

 

Once again, we quote the Scripture which says - "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

 

Are you crying out of utmost dependence on and heartfelt need for "Abba, Father"?

If not Him - then who or what has your heart's affection?

 

What is holding you back in your relationship to Him?

Or should we ask - what do you desire the most in life - Him or money?

 

That will determine whether or not you are still a slave to fear or totally free.

 

"I don't want money, Abba, I want you!"  

Said another way - "I don't want Your gifts...blessings...benefits, Abba, I want You!" 

 

Can you say that today?