Worship at the Manger—and Beyond

With Christmas fast approaching, our attention often goes to a manger scene. But the real focus isn’t the manger—it’s the Savior lying in it. And that truth correlates with how we view money. Wealth isn’t sinful. The problem comes when our worship drifts to the provisions and away from the Provider.

The Rich Young Ruler is a sobering reminder. Outwardly, he looked like he had it all together—he was moral, disciplined, and successful. But Jesus addressed the one area he wasn’t willing to surrender, and it exposed his heart. His issue wasn’t money—it was misplaced trust. His hands were filled with provisions, and they had become the object of his worship.

Jesus didn’t confront him to take his money from him but to offer him something better. Mark tells us Jesus “looked at him and loved him.” That same love calls us to hold the things of this world loosely and let Christ have first place.

As we plan for our future financial needs, let’s remember why we plan at all. Not so we can retire into comfort, but so we can keep serving, giving, and leading others to worship Christ. This mindset is why we often refer to our retirement account as our "Future Funded Ministry."

This Christmas, let’s fix our eyes on the One in the manger. And long after the Christmas season ends, may our worship stay right where it belongs—on Him.

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Steve Crawley, PhD

BMA Financial

Executive Director