God’s Big Idea about Finances
Introduction:
The most widely accepted idea about a financial goal is to achieve “financial Freedom”. Financial freedom is freedom from the slavery of the lender and freedom from the bondage of materialism. My thought process for years has been that if a person is not a slave to the lender, has the right view of money and possessions and recognizes that God owns it all, then he (or she) is free; he is not caught up in materialism. None of this is wrong, but, I really think that that God’s plan is different than this. The ultimate goal is contentment! I have observed that a person can be financially independent and not be content. Conversely a person can be content without being financially independent.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
Hebrews 13:5 “. . . and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
How to be Financially Content:
First of all is it possible today to be content? The world demands that for us to be content we have to have the latest gadget, the newest big screen T.V., the newest technology, the latest fashion. If you do not have the money to obtain then you are not content.
What is contentment? Contentment is being satisfied with one’s circumstances, not complaining, not craving something else, and having a mind at peace. Another person has said contentment has three views: looking back without regret, looking at the present without envy, and looking to the future without fear. Contentment has nothing to do with money. A person may have little or much money and still not be content; we can complain whether we have little or much; and we can covet just as easily with a lot of money or with a little.
King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:10 “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity." Contentment has nothing to do with money! It is a learned response. Paul said in Philippians 4:11-12 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
The Paul is referring to learning to think correctly about money, possessions and God. Contentment is learning to see money and possessions as God sees them, and nothing more. Money and possessions are vehicles for providing for our needs and those of others. Contentment is also learning to see God for who he is. He is the bedrock of our contentment. All you need is what you have; what you have is what He is; you cannot have more; and you cannot have less.
Only when I realize that the God of the universe loves me and has my best interests at heart can I be content. Only when I realize that He is sovereign and in control of my vocation and income can I truly be content. Only when I learn to trust Him can I have true contentment. You see, contentment is a spiritual matter; it’s not a money matter. God is always there; He never changes, He is consistent and stable. You can trust Him, but, can you say the same about money? Proverbs 23:4-5 “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
No financial principle can have a greater impact on you or free you up more than this truth: Money is not the key to contentment! Contentment has everything to do with your relationship with God and nothing to do with money. Once you are free from your love of money and the pursuit of it, you can have a lot or a little and be content all the same. At that point you have learned the secret of contentment.
What does Financial Contentment Look Like?
Two examples:
First consider a family that chooses to live within their means; they have a modest home, an older car, much entertainment at home – little debt and a savings account. This family has low stress, their needs are met, and they have time together as a family.
On the other extreme is a man who earns in excess of $600,000 per year and is miserable as he spends $700,000 per year. He is so stressed because he wonders how he can make it.
Both of these examples are from real people, with real families; both are church goers. The key to contentment in one’s finances is not the amount one makes, but rather a willingness to live within that amount.
Financial contentment has less to do with money and more to do with our attitude, our belief systems and decisions. Financial contentment brings peace of mind! Financial security is not the same as financial peace of mind. You can have financial security without financial peace of mind.
So then, what is financial peace of mind?
Financial peace of mind has four elements: eternal perspective, faith based decisions, biblically wise counsel and financially wise counsel.
Eternal perspective
Having an eternal perspective helps us deal with the earthly ups and downs of life, stock market highs and lows, and acquiring and losing stuff. James 4:13-15 “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”
We need to keep in mind the brevity of life; I call it the 100 year rule. When it comes down to life in 100 years, all that matters then is, did I glorify God in all that I do? It is then that you realize that I can be less concerned about hoarding, giving my kids only the best stuff, being comfortable at all costs, seeking a life of leisure or keeping up with my neighbor.
Faith based decisions
Faith is so vital to our relationship with God:
If I am exhibiting faith, then I’m pleasing God.
If I’m pleasing God, then it’s easier to be content with my physical and financial position.
As the Bible reminds us in Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” It takes faith to give a substantial amount to your church. It takes faith to launch a new career or business. It takes faith to give up immediate gratification now and invest for later.
Biblically wise counsel and Financially wise counsel
If you rely on movies, advertising, fashion trends, Hollywood or sports celebrities, or the gang at work for your guidance and counsel then you will not be content! You’ll be anxious and feeling as if you don’t have what it takes to be successful. “Seek ye first the God’s kingdom and counsel” Matthew 6:33. Look at what the Bible says about earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom:
James 3:16-17 “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Which wisdom do you seek?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Tool, a Test, and a Testimony
We are in a growth Process:
We have a limited, finite time on earth; we are to use our time, our talent and our possessions for the Lord.
Money and possessions are used by God as a Tool, a Test, and a Testimony.
Paul understood this as he penned Philippians 4:11-12 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” He has learned that God uses money and possessions to shape our lives.
a) Money and possessions are effective tools that God uses to help you to grow. God allows times of having much or little. During these times the question should be “God what do you want me to learn?” He wants you to learn the right response to these situations. He wants to know that you will continue to do his will and trust Him during these times. You need to know that God is not trying to frustrate you; He’s trying to get your attention!
Luke 16:11-12 “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?”
b) Money and possession is also a test! Your eternal position and reward are determined by your faithfulness in your handling of property entrusted to you; remember Matthew 25:14-30 and the lazy servant? The lazy servant not only lost his reward but also lost his position all because he did not use God's possessions for God's intended purposes.
c) Money and possession is also a testimony! Christians are called to be salt and light!
Matthew 5:13-16 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Our attitude toward wealth is a testimony. Those around you who know you are a Christian is watching you to see what, if anything, is different about you. They will observe your testimony when He withholds. They will observe your attitude when He gives. Jesus wants children that have learned to rely on Him!
Also note that the Amount is not Important:
In Matthew 25:14-30 you find that the first two servants are both told they have been faithful, and they both received the same reward. It did not matter what they started with; it did not matter to what degree the increase; what mattered is that they put the master’s resources to use for profit! It mattered How they handled the resources.
Have you ever wondered why God gave the talent of the unfaithful servant to the one who had the most? I don’t know – it doesn’t really matter! Why does someone have more than me: why does someone have less than me? I don’t know this either. We spend too much time trying to figure out God when all He wants is for us to be faithful. What I do know is that I’m only accountable for what He has put in my hand!
Bear in mind that God neither condemns wealth nor commends poverty!
Faith requires Action:
Simply knowing God owns it all is not enough! The lazy servant knew he had his master’s money but chose to do nothing and suffered great loss. Many of us know what we ought to do, but we disobey – or delay. We know deep down what God would have us to do, but we take no action. We take no action because we fear making a mistake, or we become frustrated or confused about what to do. We end up doing what we feel good about. Living by feelings rather than truth can be dangerous!
We are constantly bombarded with the world view; the world view tells us to acquire and to consume! The world view of today is “It’s all about me!” However, the most common world view dictates where you live, how you dress, the car you drive – all to gain stature among men, to appear attractive, or to experience less inconvenience (pain). If you have a Biblical world view then you behavior is dictated by what the Bible says. Your world view will determine if you are a faithful servant!
We have a limited, finite time on earth; we are to use our time, our talent and our possessions for the Lord.
Money and possessions are used by God as a Tool, a Test, and a Testimony.
Paul understood this as he penned Philippians 4:11-12 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” He has learned that God uses money and possessions to shape our lives.
a) Money and possessions are effective tools that God uses to help you to grow. God allows times of having much or little. During these times the question should be “God what do you want me to learn?” He wants you to learn the right response to these situations. He wants to know that you will continue to do his will and trust Him during these times. You need to know that God is not trying to frustrate you; He’s trying to get your attention!
Luke 16:11-12 “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?”
b) Money and possession is also a test! Your eternal position and reward are determined by your faithfulness in your handling of property entrusted to you; remember Matthew 25:14-30 and the lazy servant? The lazy servant not only lost his reward but also lost his position all because he did not use God's possessions for God's intended purposes.
c) Money and possession is also a testimony! Christians are called to be salt and light!
Matthew 5:13-16 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Our attitude toward wealth is a testimony. Those around you who know you are a Christian is watching you to see what, if anything, is different about you. They will observe your testimony when He withholds. They will observe your attitude when He gives. Jesus wants children that have learned to rely on Him!
Also note that the Amount is not Important:
In Matthew 25:14-30 you find that the first two servants are both told they have been faithful, and they both received the same reward. It did not matter what they started with; it did not matter to what degree the increase; what mattered is that they put the master’s resources to use for profit! It mattered How they handled the resources.
Have you ever wondered why God gave the talent of the unfaithful servant to the one who had the most? I don’t know – it doesn’t really matter! Why does someone have more than me: why does someone have less than me? I don’t know this either. We spend too much time trying to figure out God when all He wants is for us to be faithful. What I do know is that I’m only accountable for what He has put in my hand!
Bear in mind that God neither condemns wealth nor commends poverty!
Faith requires Action:
Simply knowing God owns it all is not enough! The lazy servant knew he had his master’s money but chose to do nothing and suffered great loss. Many of us know what we ought to do, but we disobey – or delay. We know deep down what God would have us to do, but we take no action. We take no action because we fear making a mistake, or we become frustrated or confused about what to do. We end up doing what we feel good about. Living by feelings rather than truth can be dangerous!
We are constantly bombarded with the world view; the world view tells us to acquire and to consume! The world view of today is “It’s all about me!” However, the most common world view dictates where you live, how you dress, the car you drive – all to gain stature among men, to appear attractive, or to experience less inconvenience (pain). If you have a Biblical world view then you behavior is dictated by what the Bible says. Your world view will determine if you are a faithful servant!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
