BE FAITHFUL IN FINANCES

BE FAITHFUL IN FINANCES

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving. —Psalm 37:21

All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along. —Galatians 2:10

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. —Ephesians 4:28

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. —Romans 13:8

            Somebody has once said, “Show me your checkbook and I will see what is important to you.”  It might be said as well, “Let me walk in your shoes and I will know your priorities?”  What does your check say?  What is telling about the path of your shoes?

            God’s Word does not speak against borrowing, but it does speak about repaying what we have borrowed.  Followers of Jesus need to do that.  That is a huge part of their testimony as followers of Jesus.  We are told that it is the wicked that borrow and they do not have any intent of paying back.  There are those who say, “Hey, can I borrow $100, or whatever amount, and I will pay you back when I get paid.”  You lend the $100, but you never get it repaid and the sad thing is the person who borrowed it from you now avoids you.  It has been said if you lend money to a person, treat it as a gift and don’t expect you are going to get it back.  That way they will not be an opportunity for ill feelings on your part.

            The righteous are gracious and giving.  This is one characteristic that should be evident in the life of a follower of Jesus.  Because we understand how much we have been given (everything) those who follow Jesus love to give— of their finances, of their time, of their talents and abilities…  This is a huge part of their testimony, but as they are serving this way they do not announce it.  They just quietly and faithfully serve.

            Just a final note….  It is wise to stay out of debt because “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).  The verse is pretty clear.  Again, God does not say we cannot borrow, but He also wants us to know what that means.  There is a type of bondage in being in debt, but there is great freedom without debt.  Seek to be debt free.  Many people in debt are hindered from serving and helping others because of it.  May the Lord help us in this area!

Dear Father may I be faithful with the resources You have given my dear wife and I to be stewards over.  Help us to be on the same page, the page You want us on.  May this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.  Yes, may we bring glory and honor to Your Name through this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Byp7aK2DA&start_radio=1&list=RDV0Byp7aK2DA