Would You Do for Money What You Would Not Do for the Lord?

Introduction

Everyone likes money. We want more of it. We work for it, save it, and spend hours thinking about how to get it.

But here’s the question:

Would you do for money what you would not do for the Lord?

If God promised to pay you for your obedience, how many of us would suddenly find the time, the energy, and the motivation to do what we sometimes neglect to do?

Let’s think about a few examples together.

1. Baptism

If God offered you $1,000 to be baptized, would you do it? Most people would — without hesitation. But when the Lord commands it, some say, “I’ll do it later.”

Yet Jesus said:

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” — Mark 16:16

“Repent and be baptized…for the remission of sins.” — Acts 2:38

“Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins.” — Acts 22:16

What’s worth more — $1,000 or the forgiveness of your sins and eternal life?

2. Attendance

If God offered $200 a week to attend every service, how many would say, “I can’t afford to miss”? Yet the Lord has already said:

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” — Hebrews 10:25

When we come together, we are encouraged (Hebrews 10:24–25), edified (Colossians 3:16), and built up (Acts 20:32). The reward may not come in a paycheck, but it comes in strength, fellowship, and faithfulness.

3. Daily Bible Study

If God paid you $50 a month to read your Bible daily, would you make time for it? Yet He already offers something better — spiritual growth and maturity:

“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow.” — 1 Peter 2:2

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God.” — 2 Timothy 2:15

What’s the value of a faith that can stand firm when the world falls apart?

4. Personal Evangelism

If God offered you $5,000 for every person you taught the gospel to, how busy would you be? Would you suddenly find courage and time?

Yet Jesus already commands:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” — Mark 16:15

There’s a far greater reward — the joy of seeing a soul saved (3 John 4) and knowing that you’ve helped someone find eternal life.

5. Godly Influence

What if God paid you $10,000 for living a godly example this year? Would you think more about your words, your dress, your influence on others?

Jesus said:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

Our influence can lead others to Christ — or away from Him. Which direction are we leading them?

6. Giving

If God handed you a blank check that grew larger the more you gave, how generous would you become? But God already promises:

“He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” — 2 Corinthians 9:6

True giving is not about the dollar amount — it’s about the heart that loves God more than possessions.

Conclusion and Invitation

So tonight, ask yourself:

“Would I do for money what I will not do for the Lord?”

If the answer is yes — then maybe it’s time to remember that the Lord’s rewards are far greater than anything this world can offer.

Jesus asked in Matthew 16:26,

“What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?”

No paycheck, no possession, no earthly treasure compares to salvation in Christ.

If you’re not a Christian — be baptized tonight for the remission of your sins. If you’ve drifted — come back to the One who offers riches that never fade away. Whatever your need, respond to the Lord while there’s still time.