The “just a little bit more” lifestyle philosophy is very much ingrained into society at large today. Whether they have a lot or just enough to get by, everyone wants more money, just to have more.
The Christian attitude towards money must be different; grounded
in the Word of God and not the world’s norms.
Money on its own is necessary for our daily needs and the Bible
agrees. What the Scriptures do say is that the LOVE of money is evil (1
Timothy 6: 10.)
Everything you are and own is a gift from GOD – including your
money (…remember that the LORD your God gives you the strength to make a
living. Deuteronomy 8:18 CEV.) But GOD means for you to use it for your joy
and that of others, and not have it use you and control your life.
Even in challenging economic times, GOD’s will for you and your money remains fixed – He does not change one iota to accommodate your particular
situation.
Reflect on these five points concerning your money:
Hoarding is unacceptable when you can help others in need.
GOD wants you to share your resources, even sacrificially. Generosity pleases
Him and He honors it.
- And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16;
- Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17
- He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself or who gives to the rich will only come to poverty. Proverbs 22:16
- One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty.
- A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25
- Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13
Fear of not having enough should not stop you from supporting
your local church with at least a tithe. Trust God to do amazing things with the
90%.
- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23
- Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops Proverbs 3:9
- I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Luke 12:22-24
- He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
Becoming a slave to debt is being led by your own desire and
will and not the Lord’s. Have a plan to save to pay for your needs in full, and
ask God to help you to perfect it according to His will, and to stick with it.
- Do not be among those who give pledges, Among those who become guarantors for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay. Proverbs 22:26-27
- Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
- The rich rules
over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs 22:7
- Keep your life
free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I
will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Living just for today, spending all you get as you get it is
unbiblical. GOD approves of you putting something aside for the future – this is
not the same as hoarding but being wise and a good steward.
- A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children. Proverbs 13:22
- Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Proverbs 13:11
- Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8
- The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Proverbs 21:5
Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived. GOD said so. He had much to share in the Book of Proverbs as well as Ecclesiastes about wise and righteous living, including the use of money.
We listen to and obey his words of wisdom because we trust in
the GOD who imparted such wisdom unto him. For our good and GOD’s glory!
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our GOD and Father, forgive us for
our lack of faith, remind us not to lean on our own understanding but to trust
Your Sovereignty and divine plan for our lives, and Your faithfulness to
perfect that plan. Our eyes are on You to WHOM all glory, dominion, and power belong
forever and ever. In JESUS Name we pray. Amen.
Always by GOD’s Word and prayer,
Cecile
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