Probing Proverbs: 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part
of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your
vats will overflow with good wine.
A
sign was seen in the window of a loan company that actually read: "Now you
can borrow enough to get completely out of debt!"
It is amazing how people can become very irrational when money
is involved. This Proverb continues from it’s previous exhortation to keep our balance
when it comes to wealth, and now goes on to clarify that God is speaking to
something much larger than “money.” God states to honor Him, "with the
best part of everything you produce"- this is much more than our
money!
This covers all that our
life brings forth; our marriage, our children, our talents, our work, our
hobbies, and even our leisure! Too many children of God try to compartmentalize
their lives. They try to have a “church” life, a “family” life, a “work” life, etc...The problem is life does not
work that way! God does not see us as several people - He sees us, as we are -
one person that integrates many aspects into one thing called “LIFE!” God
desires to be intimately involved in our life, not “parts” of
our life. I have found several principles that have helped me as I view my
money, time, talents…all that I have and am. Here they are:
This covers all that our
life brings forth; our marriage, our children, our talents, our work, our
hobbies, and even our leisure! Too many children of God try to compartmentalize
their lives. They try to have a “church” life, a “family” life, a “work” life, etc...The problem is life does not
work that way! God does not see us as several people - He sees us, as we are -
one person that integrates many aspects into one thing called “LIFE!” God
desires to be intimately involved in our life, not “parts” of
our life. I have found several principles that have helped me as I view my
money, time, talents…all that I have and am. Here they are:
1. Stop thinking in terms of “His” and “mine.” My money, My time, My “whatever.” We
must see that it is “ours.” God gave and we manage, and He desires to help guide and use
all of it to produce a life that reaches its maximum potential. That will
glorify Him and will fulfill you.2. Make sure there is agreement between you and the Lord. This requires time dialoguing with God through prayer and His Word, so that your heart has embraced His plan for you. This is the unity that brings peace to our heart.
Amos said it well:
Amos 3:3 Do two walk together unless they have agreed to
do so?
True, it is “better” to obey than sacrifice. However, it is “best” to
willing and joyfully obey, which is the reality of sacrifice!
3. Enjoy the
fruits that God has given you. Your wealth, your time, your talents, etc. God
blesses with these things not to take them away from us, but to share them with
us and teach us the proper use of them.
Psalm 128:2 When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands,
You will be happy and it will be well with you.
4. Live within your
boundaries. Whether it be finances, or time, etc., we need to learn to live
based on what we have and are. Don’t live in a neighborhood that requires two
jobs. Don’t drive a car that costs more than you earn in a year! Don’t
over commit yourself to work or other things that will take all your time, and
leave nothing for you and the Lord.
Be careful of impulsive living! Learn Paul’s secret:
Philip. 4:11 Not that I speak from want; for I have
learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
5. Lastly, and this is mainly concerning finances, Beware of
debt!
Understand the difference
between debt and investment. Buying a home instead of renting, investing in an
education, those are very different than having plastic cards that allow you to
buy whatever you want without really praying or thinking about it. Debt can rob
you of really enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Understand the difference
between debt and investment. Buying a home instead of renting, investing in an
education, those are very different than having plastic cards that allow you to
buy whatever you want without really praying or thinking about it. Debt can rob
you of really enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Proverbs 6:1-5 My son, if you have become surety for your
neighbor, Have given a pledge for a stranger, [2] If you have been snared with the words of your mouth,
Have been caught with the words of your mouth, [3] Do this then, my son, and
deliver yourself; Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor, Go, humble
yourself, and importune your neighbor. [4] Do not give sleep to your eyes, Nor
slumber to your eyelids; [5] Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter's
hand, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
This proverb gives us the wisdom that leads to God's provision,
give Him the best and first of your life and He will supply the things you need
to live that life. Thanks Dad!
The so what? How integrated is your life? Do people know the "real" you? How transparent are you with God? Do you think you can hide anything from Him? How often in a day do you connect with the Lord? How often do you read His Word? Do you see yourself asking God to give you wealth, or do you see yourself sharing His wealth?
