Welcome to “Going Deeper with the Word.” In this segment, we welcome people of all backgrounds, religious or not, to review the Word of God. The Word of God provides guidance, direction, and instructions for living our lives and walking with God.
Today, we examine how God’s Word provides clear guidance and direction about our faith and spending habits.
Let’s review examples of God’s Word that can lead and guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today’s message. I will be reading scripture today from the Amplified Bible.
If you are watching this message online, we invite you to share your comments as we review each verse.
Here is our first verse.
Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”
Hebrews 13:5
In this verse we are reminded of the importance of letting go of our desire for money and instead focus on God’s provision. God knows we need shelter and food as well as other necessities and God knows we can obtain these things through money, but we should be cautious about pursuing things that move far past what we need and into the realm of wants. It is certainly ok to want – but let us be mindful to not let the desire for ‘more things’ to drive our spending habits. Let us instead rely upon the Lord to help us make our financial decisions in a way that honors Him.
Question: Can you describe a purchase you have made in the past that had little to do with what you needed and was only to impress others? What was the purchase? Did it accomplish your goal? If yes, how did the new attention affect your life in a positive or negative way?
Let’s have a look at another verse.
You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit].
2 Corinthians 9:11
In this verse, we are reminded that one reason God will bless us is to be in a position to be generous with others. We know, in fact, that 10% of what we earn should be set aside for tithing. When we give offerings above this, it is pleasing to God for us to have a generous heart. When we decide to practice this generosity, I believe it shows God that we can be trusted with even more of His increase in our lives.
Question: Do you practice tithing? Do you give to charity or causes important to you? Do you trust God to provide for you even if you give?
Let’s look at one last verse.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’
Matthew 25:21
In this parable, we learn the importance of good stewardship. It speaks of the rewards for taking care of whatever is one’s possession, regardless of its value. I believe God will reward us when we practice good stewardship over the things He has blessed upon us. If we get a raise that allows us to get a larger home, we should not allow that home to become run down in disrepair!
Taking care of the blessings bestowed to us demonstrates to God that we can be entrusted with more!
Have you ever been when someone allowed you to have something valuable for a time? Was it treated with extra care? Have you allowed someone to have something valuable to you for a time? Was it treated with extra care? If not, how did it make you feel about giving to that individual in the future?
There are many ways that our spending is impacted by our faith. Let us remember that we have nothing without our heavenly Father. He has provided for us in all areas of our lives. If we have possessions and assets, we have obtained them due to the blessings of God. Be it our gifts, our jobs, opportunities, or all of the above, God has provided for us in all areas of our lives.
Therefore, let us remember to keep our faith at the front of our minds in all areas of our finances, resisting the temptations of the world to spend more than we need or obtain things that are meant for vanity sake. Let us learn to depend on the provisions from the Lord and find contentment in His love.
Thank you for your time in reviewing these verses with me today. Please be sure to share in the comments how these or other examples of God’s Word have helped you learn about faith and spending habits.
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Have an amazing week, and we will catch you next time.
Bless you.
