The 1976 movie “All the President’s Men” is an exposé of the Watergate scandal. Famously, the final domino to drop in the case against President Nixon was the court ordered release of taped conversations between him and his staffers, family and others. However, much earlier in the illicit train of dominoes were the findings from an investigation into his fundraising organization. It’s there that the Department of Justice began to unearth the illegal donations that were bankrolling the political sabotage of his opponents.
Investigators looked into the reelection campaign’s financial records only after an informant had tipped them off. In the docudrama, the source is quoted as saying, “Follow the money.” They did…and down fell the dominoes.
Since that time, the phrase, as well as the investigative technique has been used to expose webs of corruption. It is an effective strategy because, as it turns out, all manner of sin is tethered to money. This is why Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt. 6:21). You don’t need a detective or an informant to root out the “crime.” Just follow the money. Greed, lust, anger, pride and even self-pity (to name a few) can be traced to the receipts. It takes the form of gambling, get-rich-quick schemes, loss of a job, fees to access indecent websites, extravagant food, clothing and vehicle purchases and more.
There is an unavoidable point of contact between your heart and your money. This is why, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Mt. 6:24). The “two masters” warning was reduced to the crossroads of God and money. He knew that the evidence is in the economics.
An example is found in the exchange between Jesus and the rich young ruler. He proactively sought Jesus. He publicly identified the Messiah as a Man of authority. He even sought Jesus’ advice regarding salvation. After describing how he made every effort to keep the moral law, he asked a straightforward question. He wanted to know, if at all, his character could be called into question. Then Jesus put His finger right on the soft spot.
Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Mt. 19:21–22)
By pointing to the money, Jesus revealed not only his problem of greed, but also his pride. Being rich provided self-assurance. Being rich was a mark of status. Being rich implied that God was pleased with him. Christ knew the state of his heart, so the monetary based soul assessment was so effective that he walked away in silent self-pity.
Some Christians are like the rich young ruler, presumably committed to keeping God’s law right up until it affects their wallet. They’re kind to others, but not enough to loosen their grip on their money. They strongly oppose lying but are dishonest in their taxes. They agree with faithful attendance at church, unless a few extra bucks can be made on Sunday. They well up with tears when singing a hymn but turn a blind eye when the offering bag is passed.
Like an ultraviolet light at a crime scene, the follow the money technique is as effective today at revealing the facts as it was in the first century. Do you have the courage to turn that switch on in your life? Are you willing to audit the connection between your treasure and your heart? Are you open to asking God to reveal any potential fraud in your life? An honest desire to have God create in you a clean heart and to renew a right spirit is directly tied to sanctifying your attitude about your finances. If you’re serious about following God, start by following the money.
Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. (Ps. 119:127)