If you've never seen the Bible as a practical handbook for life, you're really missing out! The Word of God is so much more than a collection of “Thou shalts” and “Thou shalt nots.” It is a mine of worthy information about relationships, business, conflict resolution, and of course making money.
I'm not talking about "Name it and claim it" or "Blab it and grab it." But there are some spiritual principles and excellent advice to help us prosper. If we'll take these to heart, we can't fail.
First Things First. Do we have our priorities right? Is God on the throne of our hearts or is that place reserved for him on Sundays only? Jesus said, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt. 6:33) The “things” referred to here are the necessities of life; food, clothing and shelter, etc. If we keep the Lord first, he will always take care of us.
Diligence. This should be a no brainer, but in the age of distractions like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, many of us could use a reminder. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but if it's the other way around, Jack will be a poor boy.
Proverbs 10:4 says, He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Here's another one: The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. (Proverbs 12:24)
Getting Promoted. Does God care about such things? Of course he does! He promoted Joseph to be second only to pharaoh over all of Egypt, and he may have great purpose for you in positions of higher authority. But he will probably not promote you if you're not worthy of it. God is a very skillful and very shrewd businessman. What does God look for in a person to promote them? Let's see...
Proverbs 22:4 says, By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Couple that with Psalm 75:5-7, Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
What will humility do for us on the job? It can make us teachable, and open to correction. We'll be in the right frame of mind to recognize not just what we're doing well, but more importantly, where we can improve. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
More Money. The older I get the more I'm believing that it's not how much we have, but how we handle what we have that's the key. We could work for minimum wage and have enough, or make millions and be filing for bankruptcy. If we can't handle money properly, are we deserving of more?
How would the following words from King Solomon change our spending habits?
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 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 3:5-10)
Giving tithes may not be a New Testament command, but giving is. Giving to those in need around us, giving of our carnal things to those who sow into us spiritual things, or as the Lord directs is a very important part of a healthy perspective of money and things. Speaking to a large crowd, Jesus taught us to: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38)
Humility is the doorway to promotion. And diligent earning, wise spending and cheerful giving is a biblical recipe for handling money.
Admittedly, easier to say than to do, but blessed are those who hear and do!
Was this helpful? If you liked this, someone else might too. Please pass it along!
First Things First. Do we have our priorities right? Is God on the throne of our hearts or is that place reserved for him on Sundays only? Jesus said, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt. 6:33) The “things” referred to here are the necessities of life; food, clothing and shelter, etc. If we keep the Lord first, he will always take care of us.
Diligence. This should be a no brainer, but in the age of distractions like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, many of us could use a reminder. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but if it's the other way around, Jack will be a poor boy.
Proverbs 10:4 says, He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Here's another one: The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. (Proverbs 12:24)
Getting Promoted. Does God care about such things? Of course he does! He promoted Joseph to be second only to pharaoh over all of Egypt, and he may have great purpose for you in positions of higher authority. But he will probably not promote you if you're not worthy of it. God is a very skillful and very shrewd businessman. What does God look for in a person to promote them? Let's see...
Proverbs 22:4 says, By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Couple that with Psalm 75:5-7, Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
What will humility do for us on the job? It can make us teachable, and open to correction. We'll be in the right frame of mind to recognize not just what we're doing well, but more importantly, where we can improve. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
More Money. The older I get the more I'm believing that it's not how much we have, but how we handle what we have that's the key. We could work for minimum wage and have enough, or make millions and be filing for bankruptcy. If we can't handle money properly, are we deserving of more?
How would the following words from King Solomon change our spending habits?
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 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 3:5-10)
Giving tithes may not be a New Testament command, but giving is. Giving to those in need around us, giving of our carnal things to those who sow into us spiritual things, or as the Lord directs is a very important part of a healthy perspective of money and things. Speaking to a large crowd, Jesus taught us to: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38)
Humility is the doorway to promotion. And diligent earning, wise spending and cheerful giving is a biblical recipe for handling money.
Admittedly, easier to say than to do, but blessed are those who hear and do!
Was this helpful? If you liked this, someone else might too. Please pass it along!
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