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!