Financial Wisdom: How to Spend
God entrusts each believer with a share of His resources. And like any wise overseer, He gives His stewards guidelines for how best to use His wealth:
• The Essential Expense. A believer's wisest money management decision is to set aside the first portion of income for the church. As we promote and provide for God's work in this way, He protects what is left (Deut. 26:2; Mal. 3:10-11).
• The Next Priority. God promised to supply for our needs (Phil. 4:19). We get necessities like food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and schooling mainly by paying for them with what He provides.
• Pursuit of Godly Goals. Next, we're to use money to meet the Lord's goals for us and our family. He may lead us to invest in education, start a business, or purchase a particular item—whatever it may be, instead of "floating" through life, believers should seek and pursue God's will.
• A High Calling. Giving to the needy is an investment in God's kingdom. While we should not promote laziness, a gracious act to a poor man "lends to the Lord and He will repay . . ." (Prov. 19:17).
• Uses for What's Left. Last on the list is fulfillment of desires. Believers who delight in the Lord also obey Him. He then blesses them with good things that fit His will for their lives (Ps. 37:4).
Good stewards manage the Father's resources by asking Him, "What is Your will for the wealth that You have given me?" You'll be amazed at how fulfilling it is to live according to biblical principles. Even a little money seems like more than enough when you spend it as the Lord intends.
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