Money Matters

‘So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?’ (Luke 16:11 NIV)

In these days of austerity and the likelihood of further cuts following the election people are concerned about money. The state of the economy certainly played a major role in the outcome of the election.

There seems to be the desire to ensure that the National debt is paid down, that there are enough resources to pay for key services such as the NHS, while individuals have the aspiration of seeing their living standards rise.

A tough task for the newly elected government!

Those who will be holding the government to account are calling for an end to austerity, or at least less severe cuts than are proposed.

All this goes to show that for people in the UK money matters.

As Christians we are aware that we are not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19) and that our focus should be on seeking first God’s kingdom and his righteousness (V.33). But does that mean we are not to pay any concern to financial matters?

All of us still have to live in a world that operates in a financial climate. We all have to earn and manage money. We are all affected by the economy, austerity and living standards.

For the Christian, money also matters and a mark of spiritual maturity is to handle our resources with proper stewardship.

So not surprisingly the Bible is full of wisdom about how we use our money and possessions.

Here are some principles to reflect on:

Remember God owns everything – Budget so that you spend less than you earn

‘Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income’. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

‘The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it’ (Psalm 24:1)

Plan ahead:

‘Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income’. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

‘Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise…it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest’. (Proverbs 6:6,8)

Establish a savings plan – Budget so that you spend less than you earn:

‘Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income’. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

‘The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets’. (Proverbs 21:20 Living Bible)

Budget so that you spend less than you earn:

‘Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income’. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Borrow cautiously and repay what you owe:

‘The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender’. (Proverbs 22:7)

Work hard:

‘Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty’. (Proverbs 28:19)

Provide for your dependants:

‘Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever’. (1 Timothy 5:8)

Give generously:

‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver’. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Our approach to money should matter to us because it reveals whether we can be trusted with the true riches of heaven.

Now that’s something to reflect on.

Have a good week managing your money.

Pastor Barry