God Always Attends To Our Needs

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Today’s reading: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

My attitude toward money is unconventional these days, but I believe it’s healthy: I simply don’t worry about it.

I put my trust in God that I will always have all the money I need, and that’s that. I don’t bankrupt my spirit (and my body) with unreasonably long, hard work. I don’t make the pursuit of money a priority over my family, friends or God. I don’t stay awake at night wondering how I’m going to pay certain bills.  And I certainly don’t get upset with people who owe me money but are reluctant to pay.

I just trust God. I worship Him. Not money.

Today’s reading takes me back to the root of this attitude I have developed toward money.

Here on the Gulf Coast of Texas much of our economy depends upon the refineries that blow harsh odors into the air night and day in dozens of cities between Corpus Christi and Beaumont.

When I was a child of about 10 or so, I used to complain about this smell to friends and family, and I was always set straight quickly — sometimes sternly.

“It just smells like money to me!” people would say through their big grins.  And the discussion was always over at that.

Well, being a rebellious boy, I would always continue the discussion in my mind, making sure I got the last, best line.

“If money smells like that, no thanks. I don’t want any.”

And so I unconsciously developed my healthy ideas (and habits) about money from those days.

Today’s reading brings all of this to mind again as Paul points out that God’s spirit is a “fragrance.”

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. ” (Verse 15)

It turns out that Satan’s spirit is a fragrance, too. And it is so devilish that millions of people who live in this very region have been fooled — for generations! — into believing that its foul odor is something worth loving — even worshiping.

I am glad that I have learned, since my early years, that money is, well, just money.

Thanks be to God for always attending to my needs.