DOES GOD REALLY CARE ABOUT MY FINANCES?

Three biblical financial principles every Christian should understand.

By Anita M.

Have you ever made the declaration that to God you give your all? Sadly, we sometimes forget that our finances are a part of our all! For some, it is tricky to understand why God would even care about their finances; after all it is the heart that He desires! As believers in Christ, we are called to be good stewards of the many gifts God has given to us whether time, our family, talents or even- yes you guessed it- your finances! So does God care what I do with my finances? Yes, He does!

Before we explore these principles, I want us to bear in mind the difference between the term finances and money. Finance is a term that encompasses intangible assets (such as loans and investments) and tangible assets (such as house, car and of course money). Money is the tangible bills currently in your pocket or debited to a swipe card. Now that we have an understanding, let us explore these biblical principles relating to our finances.

Principle 1: Our Finances are not ours- THEY ARE GOD’S!

Psalm 24 v 1 points out, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and all those who dwell therein”

As believers, we ought to recognize that we came into this world without owning a single asset therefore we must be cognizant of the fact that all the resources that we needed to accumulate this wealth or arrange our finances, are coming from God. After all He is the source!

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4 v 9

“I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures." Proverbs 8: 20 & 21

‘But I have to work hard for my money! Is it not therefore mine?’ Actually no. Haggai 2 v 8 quotes the Lord God of Host as saying “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.”

Principle 2: Giving is Essential- for it is better to give than to receive.

As followers of Christ, we know the generous life He lived here on earth. Jesus poured out all He had to those less unfortunate and those who had faith that He could change their lives. It is important that we recognize also that we ought to worship with our finances and not worship them! It is a true testament of the willingness to serve God when you give in abundance and give as the Lord lays on your heart. Note now, I am not saying that we should give our entire substance to everyone else and leave our families hungry and destitute. “WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING” -Proverbs 4 v 7. If you are unsure, ask the Lord to guide your gift giving. “If any man lacks wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally…” James 1 v 5.

There are numerous scriptures that guide key areas in giving such as:-

Malachi 3 v 8-12 which speaks of the benefit of offering the first 1/10 of your fruits unto Christ as your tithes, the blessing associated with obedience to such a principle and the curse that follows those who refuse to allow “meat” to be in the Lord’s house.

Exodus 22:25 and Deuteronomy 23:19 which speaks to lending to one’s poor brothers without looking for interest.

Luke 12:33 which speaks to caring for the needy because when you leave this earth you will not be carrying anything and it also admonishes us to not set our hearts on our earthly riches but on heavenly treasures.

Principle 3: Just as giving is biblical - SO TOO IS SAVING.

Saving is not the same as hoarding! It is wise to plan a future for your family and for the twilight years of your life by diversifying your financial portfolio. Proverbs 22 v 3 states that a “wise man foresees the evil and hides himself; the simple passes on and are punished.” A part of being a good steward is to recognize that spending it all is never wise. God is a God of order and of seasons. God himself, though He provides all our needs, charged us to consider the humble ant. The ant wakes early, gathers in time of plenty, use as needed and STORES for a rainy day. (Proverbs 6: 6-8)

Proverbs 21:20 declares “there is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.” Sadly, not managing your finances as guided by God has not only negative consequence on you but also to the person who the Lord laid upon your heart to bless. How you may ask? Simply this, if you squander money, you will think it hard to bless others from what is left. In addition, it may cause you to be giving in a grudging manner! This is contrary to how the Lord has instructed us to give with JOY.

There is a lot to be said about finances. There are over 2000 different scriptures relating to money, its uses and how it is obtained. As we close this article I pray you spend some time in prayer asking God to take control of your finances in order to improve them.

Much Love and God bless!