What God Says About Your Money
The way people talk about the economy and finances, you'd think money problems were something new. God has been answering financial prayers since the beginning of history. There are so many references in the Bible to how we are to be good stewards of the substance the Lord gives us. There are also many people, both good and poor spenders, in Bible times to learn from.
So what are some of the money mistakes Christian women make? It's not about investing or shopping...
1. Forgetting that all financial blessings come from God.
Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, and that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon the earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth forever. Psalm 112:1-3
The fear of the Lord is that reverence of God that turns us away from evil. When our focus is on following God's commandments and trusting in Him, there's no time to worry about where the next dollar will come from.
2. Not tithing in obedience to God.
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10
The law commands a tenth of all we possess, and it is through our obedience we are blessed. We are to give the first and the best to the Lord always, and He promises to fill all our needs and then some, until our barns and presses burst with His goodness.
3. Being reckless with our money and possessions.
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever; and doth the crown endure to every generation? Proverbs 27:23-24
Why would God feel obligated to give us something bigger and better if we don't take care of what we've already been given? Being good stewards of the blessings God has given glorifies Him and opens the door for future mercies.
4. Putting our "things" above God.
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life constisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15
It's very easy in today's materialistic world to look at what other people have and compare them to your own. We want to feel equal, if not superior, to our friends and neighbors. This kind of fleshly thinking changes our perspective on God's priorities and puts it on the world's. We should be satisfied with the Lord and His blessings, and put those gifts over the fixations that are out there.
5. Hoarding what God gives us.
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1
What's mine is mine and what's yours is yours, right? Well, in actuality it's all God's. He calls us here to show love and generosity to all we come in contact with. The return may be slow some days, but it will always be glorious because it's in God's timing.
6. Not finding contentment in what we've been give.
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. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lists, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:7-10
Money itself is not the root of all evil, but the love of money is. When we learn to be content with however much or little God gives us, we can be happy whether we're having a grand banquet or sharing a bowl of beans. Striving and worrying are never part of God's plan for our lives, so the victorious Christian woman will be at peace with all of the Lord's blessings in her life, large or small.
So what are some of the money mistakes Christian women make? It's not about investing or shopping...
1. Forgetting that all financial blessings come from God.
Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, and that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon the earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth forever. Psalm 112:1-3
The fear of the Lord is that reverence of God that turns us away from evil. When our focus is on following God's commandments and trusting in Him, there's no time to worry about where the next dollar will come from.
2. Not tithing in obedience to God.
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10
The law commands a tenth of all we possess, and it is through our obedience we are blessed. We are to give the first and the best to the Lord always, and He promises to fill all our needs and then some, until our barns and presses burst with His goodness.
3. Being reckless with our money and possessions.
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever; and doth the crown endure to every generation? Proverbs 27:23-24
Why would God feel obligated to give us something bigger and better if we don't take care of what we've already been given? Being good stewards of the blessings God has given glorifies Him and opens the door for future mercies.
4. Putting our "things" above God.
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life constisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15
It's very easy in today's materialistic world to look at what other people have and compare them to your own. We want to feel equal, if not superior, to our friends and neighbors. This kind of fleshly thinking changes our perspective on God's priorities and puts it on the world's. We should be satisfied with the Lord and His blessings, and put those gifts over the fixations that are out there.
5. Hoarding what God gives us.
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1
What's mine is mine and what's yours is yours, right? Well, in actuality it's all God's. He calls us here to show love and generosity to all we come in contact with. The return may be slow some days, but it will always be glorious because it's in God's timing.
6. Not finding contentment in what we've been give.
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. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lists, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:7-10
Money itself is not the root of all evil, but the love of money is. When we learn to be content with however much or little God gives us, we can be happy whether we're having a grand banquet or sharing a bowl of beans. Striving and worrying are never part of God's plan for our lives, so the victorious Christian woman will be at peace with all of the Lord's blessings in her life, large or small.
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