“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” — Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
Recently, we wrapped up our “Win, Build, Send” series. I’m definitely thankful for the important reminders we talked about regarding the vision and mission of our church. We want to reach the world for Jesus and see people become disciples of Jesus. One reminder I’m particularly grateful for is the role our money can have in our lives. It will either assist us in that goal or surely keep us from getting involved in the mission.
Give To God What Is God’s
After Pastor Bill’s message about generosity, my Small Group had a significant discussion about trusting the Lord with our finances. Specifically, when it comes to giving back to the Lord (tithing). In that discussion, the Lord again reminded me of the peace He has given me regarding money. Regardless of the seasons of little or plenty, He has always provided. I firmly believe that’s because God is faithful to 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 a blessing until there is no more need.”
For over 17 years now, regarding my money, I’ve never considered touching God’s 10% share. That is His. He has asked for it, and He deserves it. Indeed, He deserves all of it. I share this not to bring praise to myself but to God. He’s forever provided and been faithful to His Word. Through this practice, God has brought tremendous peace to my heart concerning money and where I find financial security.
I know the Bible says we should give back to the Lord cheerfully. And I certainly believe that. But many times (in my giving), I haven’t always danced around in cheerful happiness. However, it has become a peace-filled (or joyous) giving. It has also removed much of the worry Jesus addresses in Matthew 6:25-34 (about what I will wear or eat).
A question for us: “Are we willing to financially trust God and give to Him what He asks of us (and is His) in 2025?”
The Lure of Wealth
God additionally reminded me about where I am storing up my treasure. Wealth is not inherently wrong or sinful. Please hear me say that. Saving is not wrong. Working to improve your financial situation is not wrong. Working for a promotion is not wrong. Being intentional in getting out of debt or building wealth isn’t wrong. Many of those things are actually wise. But at the same time, there are several warnings in the Bible about being consumed by wealth and the mirage of its security.
I’ve done ministry alongside many dear people for years. I have frequently seen and counseled them through many financial situations. It’s common for money (and all that comes with it) to easily distract folks from keeping their eyes fixed on the mission — The Great Commission.
From my perspective, I’d say it is undoubtedly one of the top three reasons I’ve seen people not be able to get fully committed to fellowship. They don’t have the time or energy to be on a mission for the Gospel. People can feel excited or challenged to be more intentional about the Kingdom. But, then the strain from financial decisions comes. Remember, the unfruitful soil in Matthew 13:22 “is crowded by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth.”
Social Pressure
Too often, I have seen people get swept up by the wheeling and dealing of our culture. The social pressure to have more stuff, toys, a bigger house, a nicer car, and better career status quickly creeps in. I know it can creep into my own heart, as well. All of it comes at a cost. It just does. No one can serve two masters. We are either slaves to God or slaves to our money.
Sometimes, it comes at the cost of inflating our budget. We then have to make more money. Other times, it comes at the expense of being unable to pay our other bills. That obviously brings worry or stress. The constant pull to “gather more treasure here” can very possibly steal our time. Time that we could put toward Gospel opportunities. What is more, it can even keep us from giving back to God in the tithe.
Of course I don’t want to paint everyone’s situation with a broad brush. Sometimes, very challenging circumstances are unavoidable. And I firmly believe that God gives wealth to people to be a blessing for His Kingdom’s purpose. We can avoid a lot of messes, however. Our view of money (and its purpose in our lives) must be in line with Biblical principles and wisdom. Tremendous peace comes whenever we live wisely in our financial circumstances.
Pray For Financial Wisdom
One of my life verses is Proverbs 30:8b-9. It perfectly sums up my prayer for financial wisdom. “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
Without question, we need to ask ourselves, “Are our financial habits and decisions helping or hindering us from being able to be fully committed to the Great Commission?”
Grace and peace,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor