By: Barry G. Allen
Week 4- My Testimony-Continued
I am one of those fortunate Christians whose parents began teaching me and holding me accountable at an early age about the importance and the role of Christian financial stewardship in my relationship to Christ and to other human beings. Most everything I know and do in the Christian discipline of financial stewardship can be traced to my parents’ examples. The Bible was their source, and God’s Holy Spirit was their strength and guide. Here are some additional Biblical principles that have made a difference in my life. I am confident they will make a difference in your life as well, if you abide by them.
What does the Bible say about money and possessions? (continued)
Biblical truth #6: Shift your priorities to let God, not money, be first in your life, so God can work in your life. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom (kingly rule) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Most Christians have not seriously wrestled with this challenge. There is a sense in which if we do not seek His kingly rule “first,” we do not seek it “at all.” As worthy as all other concerns may be, the moment they become the focus of our efforts, they become idolatry.
Biblical truth #7: Learn to exchange what you cannot keep for what you cannot lose. Do you remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-21? “Do not store up for yourselves treasurers on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasurers in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus stated quite clearly wherever you find your treasure, that is exactly where you will find your heart also. He understood the grip materialism would have on our lives.
Prayer focus: pray for the increased desire to seek the kingly rule of God in your life, and in so doing discover how to exchange what you cannot keep for what you cannot lose.
Next month: Biblical Stewardship Truths (Part 2)
Week 4- My Testimony-Continued
I am one of those fortunate Christians whose parents began teaching me and holding me accountable at an early age about the importance and the role of Christian financial stewardship in my relationship to Christ and to other human beings. Most everything I know and do in the Christian discipline of financial stewardship can be traced to my parents’ examples. The Bible was their source, and God’s Holy Spirit was their strength and guide. Here are some additional Biblical principles that have made a difference in my life. I am confident they will make a difference in your life as well, if you abide by them.
What does the Bible say about money and possessions? (continued)
Biblical truth #6: Shift your priorities to let God, not money, be first in your life, so God can work in your life. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom (kingly rule) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Most Christians have not seriously wrestled with this challenge. There is a sense in which if we do not seek His kingly rule “first,” we do not seek it “at all.” As worthy as all other concerns may be, the moment they become the focus of our efforts, they become idolatry.
Biblical truth #7: Learn to exchange what you cannot keep for what you cannot lose. Do you remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-21? “Do not store up for yourselves treasurers on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasurers in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus stated quite clearly wherever you find your treasure, that is exactly where you will find your heart also. He understood the grip materialism would have on our lives.
Prayer focus: pray for the increased desire to seek the kingly rule of God in your life, and in so doing discover how to exchange what you cannot keep for what you cannot lose.
Next month: Biblical Stewardship Truths (Part 2)
