Wisdom With Money

"Money, Money, Money!" It's something of which each of us probably wishes we had more. However, maybe God cannot entrust us with more because we have not been faithful with what He has given us (Luke 16:10).

Proverbs 3:9 says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce." Each one of us has wealth. Granted, some have more than others, but each of us can obey Proverbs 3:9 regardless of our financial situation. I am to honor God with the wealth that He has given me, not "I would honor God if I had 'so, and so's wealth."

God isn't looking for equal giving among individuals, but He is looking for honor in how we view and apply stewardship.

When I was little (less than ten years old, just a few years ago), I remember a friend saying that his parents gave money to their church. I remember thinking, "When I make money, I am keeping it all for me. I am not going to give my money away." That was foolish and unbiblical thinking! Fortunately, I now realize that all I have comes from God. He gives me the ability to work and provides me with the job I have. I have also learned a few more Bible verses since those early years. Jesus said that "it is more blessed to give than receive" (Acts 20:35).

As a way to "honor the Lord with our wealth," my wife, Keri, and I tithe to Rocky Creek. We also give to some other ministries regularly. We budget this money first, and then we have the rest to live on for the month or save for the future.

In a nutshell, SHARE, SPEND, and SAVE could sum up our financial outlook.

God has graciously given to us and blessed us, not so we can hoard money, but so that we can bless others (Psalm 67). We can SHARE with Rocky Creek, other ministries, and individuals so they can experience the love and grace of God, and God can build His kingdom. By living modestly (not having to have the newest, most expensive items or living in total luxury), we can SHARE and then have money to SPEND on a home, vehicles, clothes, food, etc. Also, we don't SHARE and SPEND everything we receive. We SAVE for future needs that arise.

SHARE, SPEND, and SAVE is how we can honor the Lord with our wealth. While I don't have any "barns filled with plenty or vats bursting with wine," I can say that I have not gone without. As I have put God first with my finances and possessions, the Lord has cared for all my needs. By God's grace, I will continue to honor the Lord with my wealth because it's not mine. It belongs to God, so why shouldn't I SHARE, SPEND, and SAVE as He directs? And if God entrusts me with more wealth, it might not be to SPEND more on me or SAVE to build my bank account. It could be to SHARE with others, so they know the goodness and faithfulness of God and to make much of Him.

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