This week, I taught on the subject of MONEY. Money impacts everyone: rich, poor, old, young. We all spend money, but how do we manage our money wisely? And what does God require of us?

Whether you are a follower of Jesus or not, we will all possess money at some point in our lives, and God speaks on this subject throughout the Bible. What God has to say is not the same as the messages the world is sending out on how we manage our money. This is why it is so important to go to God and His Word to consider what He says about  the many practical subjects we face on a weekly if not daily basis. As Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you many discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” When we apply what Jesus has said to our lives He tells us that we will be blessed (John 13:17).

The Bible teaches that we are to use everything for God’s glory, and this includes our finances! We are to use our money and possessions for God’s glory and not our own. As Peter said, “in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11) As we use all we have to glorify Jesus, we need to examine our time, our talents, and our earthly “treasures” and steward them with this in mind.

A helpful synopsis of a Godly perspective on money is found in a book called “Financial Freedom” by June Hunt.  We gave these booklets away for free to those that attended our service and I like them because it is a very practical booklet full of scripture. In it, she reminds us from a Biblical standpoint how a worldly mindset is different than a Biblical mindset on money. As you read it, I hope you are reminded and challenged to examine how you are viewing and managing your finances. Is it according to the world’s standard or God’s standard? 

WORLDLY MIND SET: To get what you want — GODLY MIND SET: To give you what you need 

Matt 6:31-33 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will beadded to you.

WORLDLY MIND SET: To be used in whatever way you wish — GODLY MIND SET: To be used only in trustworthy ways 

Luke 16:10-11 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?

WORLDLY MIND SET: To gain temporary treasures — GODLY MIND SET: To gather eternal treasures 

Matt 6:19-20 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

WORLDLY MIND SET: To be valued above the soul — GODLY MIND SET: To be used to bless the soul 

Mark 8:36-37 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?For what can a man give in return for his soul?

WORLDLY MIND SET: To trust in the power of possessions —GODLY MIND SET: To trust in the power of God 

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

WORLDLY MIND SET: To obtain personal power thru possessions  — GODLY MIND SET: To demonstrate the Lord’s power to provide

Malachi 3:10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you ablessing until there is no more need.

WORLDLY MIND SET: To selfishly build a personal Kingdom — GODLY MIND SET: To sacrificially share in God’s Kingdom 

2 Cor 8:3-5 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,begging us earnestly for the favor[a]of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

WORLDLY MIND SET: To supply all of your needs a part from God — GODLY MIND SET: To look to God to supply all of your needs

Phil 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.