C.R.E.A.M.

READ: Luke 12:13-21

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

The Wu Tang Clan, an avant-garde collective, was one of the most popular and influential rap groups of the late 1990s. Wu Tang produced a successful single called C.R.E.A.M.—Cash Rules Everything Around Me. This became the motto for this eclectic bunch and for all their fans. Unfortunately, many individuals in our culture have adopted the “C.R.E.A.M.” philosophy as a lifestyle.

Wu Tang’s motto is C.R.E.A.M. However, it is clear from Scripture that there are some things in life over which money does not rule. Salvation cannot be purchased with wealth. It is a precious gift from a precious God. Peter captured this thought in his first letter: “It was not with perishable things, such as silver or gold that you were redeemed . . . , but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Another gift that money can’t buy or control is good character—a good name (Proverbs 22:1). We develop character as we persevere in a life of integrity and faithfulness to God. In contrast, the hard pursuit of money can easily taint and corrupt our good character.

The third gift on our list is wisdom (Proverbs 3:13-15). Wisdom cannot be bought; it must be developed by knowing God’s Word and applying it to both the pleasant and bitter experiences of life.

Along with these gifts is a final reality called death. Death is not impressed with a person’s wealth. It keeps its appointments with people indiscriminately—young and old, rich and poor. Read Luke 12:13-21 again. The rich man in the parable lived as if he and his money were in control and that there was no God to whom he would be accountable. His financial status did not impress God and could not control or rule over death’s appointment.

It’s interesting that everything money could not control, God has either fulfilled in Christ or has brought under His rule. Christ redeemed us with His precious blood. He is the exact image and character of God and He is the wisdom of God (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus Christ is Lord. He has authority over nature, sin, sickness, evil, death, and even economics.

I like this interpretation of C.R.E.A.M.—Christ Rules Everything Around Me! Let this be the sacred motto of our lives. —Marvin Williams

REFLECTION

• What part of my life do I need to submit to the authority of Christ?
• In what way have I brought my finances under Christ’s authority?

Money can’t buy God’s gifts.

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