While we think of the money we earn as ours, it really isn’t.
When we begin think of money as our own, we
- focus on the “gift” not the giver and
- rely on our own abilities instead of God’s grace.
The truth is, everything we have actually belongs to God—100% of it is His. God’s Word says, “‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty” (Haggai 2:8).
Equally as important as recognizing who owns all of our resources is asking the right questions to identify our emotions and attitude about money. How would you answer these questions?
- Do you need to impress people with the things you buy?
- Does your identity or self-worth come from your bank account?
- Have you been a poor steward of your finances?
God loves you and wants to bless us, but sometimes our own attitudes keep us from receiving all He has for us “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:30, NAS).
Hudson Taylor, a well-known Christian missionary to China, said, “God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.”
As you consider your finances, pray for
- Discernment to use wealth wisely
- Humility
- Gratitude and
- Increased faith
Then, if you believe your views on money are aligned with God’s but have concerns about making ends meet, consider doing these One Things:
- Seek financial advice from a trusted friend or advisor.
- Develop a realistic budget and stick to it.
- Inventory and evaluate what you might give up.
- Consider creative options to earn additional income.
As we live in this temporary home on Earth, we must factor in money. But through deliberate choices, our faith will increase and our worries will diminish as we look to God to provide what He knows we need.
