Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be
generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good
foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life
indeed.1 Timothy 6:18-19 NASB
The
Purpose of Money
The Bible
makes it clear that the wise use of money is a priority for the believer. There is no doubt that money for many is
security. It can stand in the way of a
faith walk when we are self-dependent to the degree we do not depend on God for
our security. Also, riches can produce
great worry for those who seek to protect it.
So, what is the wise use of money?
Money
should provide for your family
Scripture is
clear about the responsibility parents have to care for their families. But if anyone
does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has
denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 In
the fellowship of the New Testament church there were those who became slothful
and used the faith as an excuse for being involved in the world. Paul addressed directly when he said, But if anyone does not provide for his own, and
especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse
than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 A person capable of work should seek work or
create work for the purpose of following the picture of scripture regarding the
danger of laziness and being idle. (See
Proverbs)
Money
should provide some joy
The writer
of the Proverbs spoke clearly about the purpose of work. I have seen the
task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. He
has made everything appropriate in its time.
I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good
in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in
all his labor–it is the gift of God.
Ecclesiastes 3:10;12-13 The tasks we have in life are best when they
we discover the purpose of God in them so that we serve Him in whatever we
do. But for many, the task is merely the
tool to bring the ability to have and do some things that bless our
families.
Money
should enable us to meet he needs of others.
2 Corinthians 9:11 says, " You will be made rich in every way so that you
can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result
in thanksgiving to God." God
makes sure everyone can give and know the joy of giving. To waste or indulge with what God has given
to help others is to miss the blessing.
Money
should enable us to build relationships.
Money can be
used for evangelism. Taking a friend out
to eat in order to build a relationship and lead them to Christ or gifting
someone to show the love of Christ can open a door for the gospel. "I tell you
use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourself." Luke 16:9 Not buy
friends, but use material resources to promote friendships, because life is
relationship.
Money
enables us to accomplish the work of the church.
Churches
must depend on the offerings given to pay utilities, keep up the facilities,
pay the staff, support mission efforts, purchase supplies, build new
facilities, run programs for all ages, care for the benevolent needs, etc. Aa a part of the Body of Christ, we share in
all of these expenses. But there is joy
in looking at the ministries and the facilities and knowing that this is the
result of faithful giving.
Scripture
to Claim
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be
content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I
will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’" Hebrews 13:3-5
