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Mathew 6:19-21: “Do not store up yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and
where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is your
heart will be also.”
For where your treasure is your heart will be also.
When someone comes into an inheritance or wins a big cash prize, the
first question they’re asked is what they’ll do with the money. We
wonder if they’ll go on a wild spending spree, save it for the future or
use it to bless others.
How we handle money, no matter if we have a lot or a little, gives a
clear indication of our relationship with God. It is a source of life
and blessing for those who are fully committed to God, but it’s a deadly
trap to those who think they can ensure their future with it. Satan
commonly uses money, or lack of it, to separate us from God. Millions
of people, sadly many Christians, live in miserable bondage because of
the fear, greed, discontent, debt, materialism and selfishness. The
true financial freedom only comes as we yield our finances to our
heavenly Father. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters.you cannot
serve both God and money” (Mathew 6:24).
Our true relationship to God and finances is that of a steward; one who
is entrusted with a portion of God’s wealth to use or invest. Good
stewards know where their wealth comes from, and they know that one day
God will call them to account for it. This would be a fearful
responsibility if God hadn’t given us such good instructions on how to
use to his glory. The Bible has more than 2,000 versus about
money-related issues, more than any other single subject.*
By heeding these principles for our finances, we can avoid Satan’s traps
and lead contended, anxiety-free lives. We don’t worry about the future
because our loving Father has promised to provide for us. His
instructions are simply to “seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”
(Matthew 6:33).
The motives that undergird the financial principles of God’s kingdom are
quite different from the present world system. The acts of sowing and
reaping, giving and receiving, and buying and selling are common to
both. But one system is guided by integrity, generosity and
stewardship, while other are driven by greed, selfishness and
materialism.
Jesus warned his followers not to trust in riches because they will
fail. Instead, he challenges us to live a live of generosity and thus
store up “treasures in heaven” that God can use to bless us in time of
need. Of course, the purpose of his blessing is not so we can lavish
gifts on ourselves. Biblical prosperity not only meets or personal
needs, but also allow us to bless others. Biblical fortune is much more
than having plenty of funds in your checking or savings account. It is
a richness of spirit that comes by finding our treasure in God.
* Small Group Financial Study: Crown Ministries, Inc. 1986
Copyright 2003 Planning Advantage. All rights reserved
