The Four Biblical Principles of Money Management, Part 2
Part 2 of 4: We Are in a Growth Process (part 1, part 3, part 4)
In reading the Scriptures, we can’t escape the truth that our time on earth is temporary and is to be used to serve our Lord. The whole parable emphasizes these truths. I believe that God uses money and material possessions in our earthly lives during this growth process as a tool, a test, and a testimony. As Paul said in Philippians 4:11-12,
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Money and material possessions are very effective tools that God uses to help you grow. Therefore, you need always to ask, “God, what do You want me to learn?” You should not focus on asking (really whining), “God, why are You doing this to me?” My role as a counselor has been to help people discover what God would have them learn, either from the situation of their abundance or from the situation of their apparent scarcity. God is not trying to frustrate us. He is trying to get our attention, and money is a great attention-getter.
Money is not only a tool but also a test.
So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? —Luke 16:11-12
I don’t understand it, but I do know that somehow my eternal position and reward are determined irrevocably by my faithfulness in handling property that has been entrusted to me by God. And not only that, but this verse and others indicate that God trusts the true riches of knowing and understanding Him more to those who show their resolute commitment to Him in tangible ways, such as letting go of money or relationships.
We have already looked at the fact that in Matthew 5:13-16, we are called to be salt and light. I believe we can say that God can utilize my use of His resources as a testimony to the world. My attitude as a Christian toward wealth becomes the testimony. My attitude when He withholds a desire is also a testimony. My verbal praise when He arranges and allows financial blessings—or prevents my undoing—is also a testimony.
Has He worked a financial miracle for you? Don’t discount it as coincidence. Don’t forget it years down the road when you have more affluence. Remember, rest and revel in His answered prayer over financial matters; just don’t let resentment creep in when things don’t go your way in human terms. This is teaching time. This is testimony time. Have you failed in your use of God’s money? What was your response to His “No”? What is your verbal witness of His involvement in your life? Don’t let your first failure keep you so defeated that you talk yourself into failing again. Confess it, receive His mercy, and move on. You’ll have another chance tomorrow. Remember, growth is a process, not a once-and-for-all. Jesus wants children who rely on Him and students who listen to Him, not grown-up graduates who don’t need Him anymore.
Excerpted from Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue
Faith & Finance Perspective:
The author implies that the decisions we make regarding how we use the resources God has entrusted to us impact not only us, our families, and those in our immediate spheres of influence—but the entire watching world. Consider how your decisions to spend—or withhold spending—are an essential element of your Christian testimony. What are some recent spending decisions you have made that you feel honored God’s intent? What are some that may have fallen short? Prayerfully invite His Spirit to guide you in your future spending decisions, acknowledging our human tendency to be lured into needless luxury, convenience, and satisfaction.
His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”