The first of each year will oftentimes bring financial hardships for many … taxes, holiday expenses and a slower economy all seem to ‘catch up’ in January and February. Here are some tidbits from a recent sermon regarding financial wisdom:
Proverbs 11:28 - “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.”
The Bible says that people who trust in their riches shall fall ... “shall” fall, not “might” or “could” fall. Trusting in earthly riches leads to spiritual demise. Christ-followers, what are we trusting in? Are we trusting in God or the material things we have in life?
1Timothy 6:6-9 – “But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”We came in with nothing and we’re going out with nothing. Don’t misunderstand, if God blesses you materially, that’s great! Enjoy the things God has blessed you with. But also be aware certain inherent risks can come with those blessings ... temptations, snares and hurtful lusts. For example, King Solomon was the wisest man in the world yet began to trust more in the things of the world than in God.
The Bible contains 2,350 verses dealing with money and possessions. By comparison, there are 500 verses that deal with ‘faith’ and 500 dealing with ‘prayer.’ 16 of the 38 parables Jesus recorded deal with money and possessions. God is teaching us about material things and the dangers associated with them!
On the back of every U.S. dollar it says, “In God We Trust”, but ironically it’s the dollar that oftentimes gets in the way of us trusting God!
Trusting in riches causes us to rely on self, become prideful and lose sight of our purpose.
Proverbs 23:4-5 – “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
True fulfillment doesn’t come from accumulating wealth. Trusting in your wealth, your income or your job won’t get you anywhere. Examine your heart and if you’re trusting in something rather than trusting in God, ask Him to help you get it right.
Matthew 6:19-20 – “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
Today’s Song: Money