The Apostle Paul - “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
DAILY DEVOTION
The Lord wants His people to experience “the good life” physically, emotionally, materially, and spiritually. However, financial struggles keep many people from experiencing God’s best in their lives. Many counselors could confirm that financial problems contribute to people’s emotional and physical issues and to a great percentage of divorces. Paul Powell, the author of The Gospel of Giving, writes, “The most nerve-racking place on earth to live is just beyond your means.” A public affairs poll by the Associated Press indicated that 20% of all American adults worry about their debts most of the time. If people were being honest, that number would most likely be much higher.
The Bible teaches us that God wants us to learn how to manage our money well. Doing so demonstrates our trustworthiness to the Lord (Luke 16:10-11), provides a powerful witness to unbelievers (Matthew 5:16), frees us to serve the Lord wholeheartedly (Philippians 4:10,19) and brings additional blessings from the Lord into our lives (Proverbs 3:5-10). However, managing our money well means we must honor the Lord with our wealth.
The author of Proverbs writes, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.” (Proverbs 3:9). When we do this, it helps us remember that God is the primary source of our provision. He may use our intellect, skills, employer, company, or the government to provide for us, but we would have nothing if it were not for Him. Before the Israelites went into the Promised Land, Moses told them to “Always remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)
When we realize that God is the source of all we have and ever will have, it makes it easier to give Him control of our financial resources. This doesn’t make sense in the world because people are always devising ways to be in charge of the world’s financial resources. One pastor put it this way - “Capitalism says ‘What’s mine is mine and I’m going to keep it.’ Communism says, ‘What’s yours is mine and I have a right to take it.’ But Christianity says, ‘What’s mine is God’s and I’m willing to do what He tells me to do with it.’” When God is the Lord of every part of our lives, we don’t have to worry about making, handling, or keeping money.
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY
Make a list of your financial resources and major possessions. When you’re finished, write “God is the source of all I own” over the top of your list, then pray and thank Him for His blessings. If you’re leading your family through this activity, have them complete the same activity as a family.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, Thank You for Your blessings in my life. Everything I have or will ever have is because of You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.